Participation in France's National Sport

I made a pork stew tonight that was surprisingly delicious, considering one of the ingredients.  It was supposed to be beef stew, but pork stew meat was several dollars cheaper, so that's what I bought.  Having never had pork stew, I was wary about how it would taste, but it turned out great.  It has a subtly sweet taste to it, but was still quite savory.  So, I thought I would share the recipe.  It's from an old cook book (it still has the 4 food groups in it, if that says anything) titled "The Starving Students Cookbook" by Dede Napoli.  My variations are in red.

1 lb lean beef (pork) stew meat
4 carrots, cut in chunks
2 onions (I used 1 large one and it was more than enough), cut in chunks
2 stalks celery, cut in chunks
1 can (15 oz) whole tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup minute tapioca (Jello makes one) (important)
dash of thyme & oregano (I used considerably more than a dash.  Probably between 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon)
pinch of salt (again, I used more than a pinch)
1 heaping teaspoon instant coffee (not something I had on hand, so I skipped it.  I'm not going to buy coffee for a teaspoon of it.  But if you have it, throw it in, and let me know how it tastes)
1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon instant beef bouillon/soup base

Preheat oven to 250* (I used my Crockpot on low)
Dump all ingredients in a large oven proof pan (or your Crockpot).  Cover.
Cook in 250* oven for 7 hours, or a 300* oven for 5 hours.  Stir a couple times if you get a chance. (I cooked it on low for 8 or 9 hours, and it turned out fine.  I wouldn't do less than 7 on low though, just to be sure everything got cooked.  And I didn't stir it until I was getting ready to dish it up.)


It makes 2 large servings or 3 small ones, so it's perfect for those with no kids, college students, and swinging singles (I'm looking at you, Wisp).  It could also easily be doubled or tripled, without it getting super pricey.

Enjoy!