COUNTRY FRENCH BEEF STEW

Steps:

• If using dry beans, rinse beans.
• In a large saucepan combine drained beans and the 4 cups water.
• Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
• Simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Cover and let stand for 1 hour.
• (Or, place beans in water in pan. Cover and let soak in a cool place for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.) Drain and rinse beans.
• Place flour and pepper in a plastic bag.
• Add beef pieces, a few at a time, shaking to coat.
• In a 4- or 6-quart Dutch oven brown half of the beef in 1 tablespoon of the hot oil; remove beef.
• Add remaining oil, remaining beef, onion, and garlic to Dutch oven.
• Cook until beef is brown and onion is tender.
• Drain fat, if necessary.
• Stir in wine, scraping until the brown bits are dissolved.
• Return all beef to Dutch oven.
• Stir in beans, soup stock or broth, tomato, and dried thyme (if using).
• Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
• Simmer, covered, for 1-1/2 hours.
• Add carrots and parsnips.
• Return to boiling; reduce heat.
• Simmer, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes more or until beef and vegetables are tender.
• Stir in fresh thyme (if using).
• If desired, garnish with parsley.
• *Note:If using canned beans, decrease soup stock or broth to 1 cup.