ST Patrick’s Healthy Irish Stew

There’s nothing more enjoyable on a chilly March day than a bowl of tasty stew. St Patrick’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to create a pot of our healthy take on this traditional Irish dish, which is full of nutrition, yet low in fat and carbohydrate for those seeking to lose weight.  It’s important to choose the leanest cuts of beef possible as this is key to keeping saturated fat levels down. Lean beef offers high concentrations of protein, zinc, phosphorus, iron and B complex vitamins which help strengthen muscles, teeth and bones while helping supply energy and oxygen to cells. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant found in lean beef, it helps in protecting cells from harmful free radicals formed as by-products of body metabolism and also supports the mitochondria which are important in powering body cells. The nutrients in lean beef are very crucial for kids especially when approaching adult years in prevention of iron deficiency and cognitive function and growth. The combination of highly nutritious vegetables and abundant flavour of spices make this a perfect meal choice for the whole family.

Ingredients:

1 ¼ lbs lean diced beef

2 beef stock cubes (in 1.5- 2 litres boiling water)

1 teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 onions chopped up

2 garlic cloves, chopped

½ head of cabbage shredded

3 medium carrots, sliced

3 medium celery sticks, sliced

Method:

Brown beef in oil

Place in large saucepan and add all other ingredients except cabbage.

Pour over beef stock

Bring to the boil, then leave to simmer for 2 hours.

Add cabbage and simmer for further 30-40 minutes.