Slow Cooker Thai Beef Stew

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 5-8 hours
Serves: 6-8

Are you jonesing for comfort food? Well, step outside your "comfort zone" - see what I did there? - and try this delicious beef stew with bold Thai flavors.  You can make this ahead by preparing Steps 1-5, then place the contents in an airtight container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before continuing to Step 6. You can serve it over cauliflower rice or if you are someone who desires grains, try serving it over sprouted rice. I like Trader Joe's organic, sprouted brown, black, and red rice combo.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
3 pounds beef stew meat, trimmed of fat
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 (13 -ounce) can coconut milk, full-fat
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup Thai red curry paste (I use Thai Kitchen)
1 tablespoon fish sauce (Yes Lee, you can leave this out)
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups carrots, julienned
1 cup jicama, peeled and julienned
fresh cilantro, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the meat on all sides.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer each batch of browned meat directly to the slow cooker, then continue browning. Wipe out the skillet between batches if a lot of liquid has accumulated at the bottom to ensure even browning.
3. Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and stir continuously to release the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the tomato paste, curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and salt. Then pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
6. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours. Add the broccoli, carrots, and jicama during the last 30 minutes if cooking on high, or the last hour if cooking on low.  Serve garnished with cilantro.

Source: Walker, D. (2014). Meals made simple. Victory Belt Publishing.