Cosmic Rhino

My mom was in the mood for a healthy but hearty stew and found this on WebMd. She said it was lovely with a nice flavorful broth and thickened up nicely.

Ingredients:

• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2  onion (or more, to taste)
• 1 lb of lean beef, cut into 1″ pieces (grass fed, if you can find it)
• 1 cup of red wine (optional)
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 large carrots cut into 1 inch pieces
• 3 stalks of celery cut into one inch pieces
• 1 15 oz can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15 oz can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes with the juice
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of chili powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 2-3 cups of beef broth
  

Instructions:

1. Saute the onions and garlic in some olive oil for about 2 minutes, then add the beef until it browns.
2. Scrape the pan to get all the goodness up and then add wine. If not using wine, you can substitute water or broth. Bring this to a boil.
3. Add tomato paste.
4. 1 - 2 more cups of beef broth
5. On low heat, simmer in a Dutch oven or deep pan with a lid for 1.5 hours.
   
6. Remove the bay leaf and serve!