Lamb and Winter Vegetable Stew

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound lamb stew meat, cubed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups peeled, seeded, and sliced butternut squash
• 1 cup peeled, sliced parsnips
• 1 cup peeled, chopped sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan, and brown the lamb meat on all sides. Drain fat, and stir in the beef broth and wine. Season with garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
2. Mix in the squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and flour. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup of the hot stew mixture.
4. Stir the sour cream mixture into the saucepan. Remove the bay leaf, and continue to cook and stir until thickened.
5. Serves 8