Guinness Stew from Epcot's Rose & Crown

For a foodie who's also a Disney World fan, Epcot is usually the best part of the entire trip. Even when it's not Food & Wine Fest (which I blogged about recently), there are plenty of good eats, drinks, and treats throughout World Showcase.

If you've never been before, you should know that Epcot is divided into two sections: Future World & World Showcase. The World Showcase features 11 countries, each with their own food, drinks, shops, entertainment, etc.

The United Kingdom is one of my favorite countries to stop in because their shops are some of the best. And Mary Poppins is often there in the English Gardens! Last trip, we sat and watched the British Revolution band that covered (very well, I might add) favorite songs from British rock bands.

The Rose & Crown is the full service restaurant there in the United Kingdom pavilion and it's theming represents a traditional British pub. Their menu has typical British fare like fish & chips, bangers & mash, and - in the past - this Guinness Stew. Though I don't think it's appearing on the menu right now, which is a huge shame. Because it's darn tasty. REALLY tasty.

Guinness is a very dry stout beer that is amazing slow cooked alongside beef. This recipe is very easy, relatively fast, and will give you a big hearty pot of tender beef. Best served alongside hot fresh bread!

Did you know it's nearly impossible to make beef stew appear appetizing? Ignore the picture, jump right to the recipe, and make this soon! It's PERFECT for cold winter days!

Guinness Stew
2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 large clove garlic, chopped
1 cup diced yellow onion
1/2 cup diced carrots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 cup Guinness Stout
salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups beef broth

Place the steak and flour in a plastic zip-top bag; seal and shake to coat.

Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed stockpot; add the steak and cook over medium-high heat until browned, stirring occasionally. Reserve the remaining flour in the zip-top bag.

Add the bay leaves, garlic, onions, and carrots and cook about 5 minutes, until tender. Sprinkle in the remaining flour from the bag and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the thyme, rosemary, and chili flakes.

Slowly stir in the Guinness while scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the browned bits. Stir until smooth, thickened, and bubbly. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 10 minutes.

Slowly stir in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. The stew will thicken and reduce by at least 1/3. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Source: Delicious Disney

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