In Search of the humble stew

​Running as fast as my legs could carry me, I deftly dodged the low-hanging branches, careful not to drop the succulent beef I had scavenged. From behind came the sound of the ferocious bull that was now snorting and grunting in pursuit. Suddenly I spotted a hidden potato protruding from the earth off to my right. I quickly bent down to grab it and rolled so that I kept my momentum.

The sound of the bull came from much closer now. I had lost precious time. I continued running until I eyed some wild berries growing on a bush up ahead. Bending over to snatch the juice-filled berry, I increased my speed to tried to expand the gap between me and the primal predator.


More branches and logs came up ahead of me and I had to slow down in order to dodge them. I expertly avoided and jumped over the natural obstacle course until I found myself tumbling face down, staring at the dirt below. I looked behind me to see a log the height of a large boulder. Quickly, I began to survey my surroundings – there were some trees, bushes, a nearby river, a tomato plant, a boulder... a tomato plant! I rapidly snatched one of the tomatoes as I heard the swift hooves of my hunter behind the log.


I looked up just in time to see the massive bull leaping over the log and kept running. Relieved to have escaped, I continued to wander the jungle until I found a close growing group of ancient carrots. My final ingredient. I scooped one up and began to run towards camp. By the time I arrived, the fire had already been lit and the stone pot had been put into place over the blazing embers. I rushed over and began to deposit my ingredients into the cauldron. What a delicious meal this would make.


These may not have been the exact ingredients that our great ancestors used, but it goes to show that this dish has always been concocted out of any ingredient that was available. It is an extremely versatile dish that has survived the strenuous test of time, saved many early human tribes, and continues to please and delight families today: The Humble Stew.

How to cook the perfect Salesas Stew:

Servings: 6
Total Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
INGREDIENTS

• 1kg boneless beef steak, cut into 3cm pieces
• A dash of salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 7 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 5 tomatoes
• A glass of red wine
• 250ml beef stock
• 250ml water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks
• 100g wild blueberries
• 500kg small white boiling potatoes, cut in half
• Fresh chopped parsley, for serving (optional)