Stew

Veal Stew Mediterranean

Total preparation and cooking time: 1-¾ hours

» 1½ pounds veal for stew, cut into 1-inch pieces
» 1 tablespoon olive oil
» ½ teaspoon salt
» ½ teaspoon pepper
» 1 tablespoon olive oil
» 1 medium onion, halved, cut into ¼-inch thick wedges
» 3 cloves garlic, chopped
» 1 can (13¾ to 14½ ounces) vegetable broth
» ½ cup orange juice
» 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
» 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
» 2 plum tomatoes, chopped (about 1 cup)
» 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup orange juice
» Freshly grated orange rind (optional)
» Chopped fresh thyme (optional)
» Orange Couscous (recipe follows)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Brown half of veal; remove from skillet. Brown remaining veal and remove. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet until hot. Add onion; cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Add garlic to skillet; cook and stir 1 minute. Add veal, broth, ½ cup orange juice, thyme and vinegar, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer 1 to 1¼ hours or until veal is tender.

3. Add tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes. Stir in cornstarch mixture; cook and stir over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Garnish with orange rind and fresh thyme, if desired. Serve with Orange Couscous.

Makes 4 servings

Orange Couscous:
» ½ cup orange juice
» ½ cup water
» 2 teaspoons butter
» ¾ cup instant couscous
» 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel
» 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Combine ½ cup orange juice, ½ cup water and 2 teaspoons butter in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir in 3/4 cup instant couscous and 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous lightly with fork before serving. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, if desired. Yield: 2 cups.

Tips:
* Chicken broth may be substituted for vegetable broth.

Nutrition information per serving: 526 calories, 15 g fat