Beef stew

Step 1

Wash and peel the potatoes. Wash again, then dice. Put in a large pot.

Step 2

Wash, peel, wash again, then slice the carrots. Add to the large pot.

Step 3

Wash the celery, slice. Add to the large pot.

Step 4

Wash, peel, chop the onions coarsely. Add to the large pot.

Step 5

Cut the beef into 4 cm (1 1/2 inch) cubes. Set aside.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan. Add the stewing beef in batches, brown it, add to the large pot.

Step 7

Add all remaining ingredients to the pot.

Step 8

Add just enough boiling water from a kettle to cover (depending on your pot shape, etc, that may be around 2 - 3 litres / quarts / 8 - 12 cups. Exact amount does not matter).

Step 9

Bring to a boil.

Step 10

Jar size choices: half-litre (1 US pint) or 1 litre (US quart)

Step 11

Ladle mixture evenly into hot jars. Should you need more liquid, use boiling water from a kettle.

Step 12

Leave 3 cm (1 inch) headspace.

Step 13

Debubble; adjust headspace.

Step 14

Wipe jar rims.

Step 15

Put lids on.

Step 16

Processing pressure: 10 lbs (69 kPa) weighted gauge, 11 lbs (76 kpa) dial gauge (adjust pressure for your altitude when over 300 metres / 1000 feet)

Step 17

Processing time: half- litre (1 US pint) 75 minutes; 1 litre (US quart) 90 minutes.