SERVES 4
This bowl of stew was both comforting and nourishing to Katniss as she faced the prospect of returning to the Arena. Stew wasn’t often available to Katniss before her first Hunger Games, but her victory had changed her circumstances and diet considerably.
Beef stew is one of the most popular of comfort foods, and it’s a great meal to have with a salad or chunk of bread on a cool evening.
½ CUP WATER
¼ CUP RED WINE VINEGAR
1 TABLESPOON SUGAR
1 POUND BONELESS BEEF CHUCK ROAST, CUT INTO 1-INCH CUBES
¼ TEASPOON PEPPER
¼ TEASPOON GROUND NUTMEG
¾ TEASPOON SALT
1 SMALL ONION, SLICED
2 STALKS CELERY, CHOPPED
1 BAY LEAF
1 PACKAGE EGG NOODLES, COOKED ACCORDING TO INSTRUCTIONS
2 TEASPOONS CORNSTARCH
2 TABLESPOONS HALF-AND-HALF OR CREAM
Combine the water, vinegar and sugar in a small pan and heat over medium heat.
Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved, then let cool.
Season beef with pepper, nutmeg, and salt and place in a large re-sealable plastic bag.
Add onion, celery and bay leaf to the cooled marinade.
Pour marinade into the re-sealable plastic bag and seal. Shake gently to coat and refrigerate overnight.
Reserve ½ cup marinade, and drain the rest. Remove the bay leaf.
Place the beef and reserved marinade in a pan and bring to a boil.
Cook noodles while meat simmers.
Turn down the heat. Cover and simmer until meat is tender, about 30 minutes.
Combine cornstarch and half-and-half and stir into beef mixture.
Bring to a boil, then cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Serve over noodles.