beef stew

[Fairie]

how long will it take to make a beef stew?

[No,Knowledge]

marvelous ;0)

[Fairie]

whats marvelous?

[CheekyChops]

Last time I made one (one of Jamie Olivers / Sainburys) it needed cooking for 2 1/2 hours. Plus the half hour to peel and chop the veg, about 3 hours in total.

[Fairie]

i thought as much, i usually spend all day so everything goes all soft and beef breaks up.

my son has decided to make stew for his GCSE catering, however, only has 1 hour and half!!

wouldnt be bad if they look at it, but if they taste it it will have hard carrots etc :(

[Ethel]

It should be cooked - this recipe states 1 to 2 hours cooking time
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/iri shbeefstew_73826.shtml

[Scarramouch]

it wont have hard anything if its simmered for about an hour. The reason for sustained simmering isnt to soften the veg. Its to reduce the juice and so thicken and to infuse the flavours. When his time is almost up if its too sloppy pour some of the juices off and thicken with a little cornflour mixed with cold water first. And taste it to see if the seasoning needs adjustment.

[pastafreak]

He could either par boil or saute the carrots too soften them. I would saute,as that will give them more flavour.