Soozy's Steak Guinness and Maple Syrup Stew

I had some steak pieces I needed to use. Now what to make. I remembered I saw this recipe from SoozyB getting rave reviews on Vi's Pantry Foodie forum. It is wonderful. So simple. I have made stews with Guinness before and have sometimes found them just a tad bitter. Not so this one. The maple syrup adds another dimension. Not too sweet just simply mouthwatering. Perfect with home made hearth breads to mop up the gravy.
This is Soozy's recipe


You need a casserole or pot with a lid that goes in the oven.

Amounts are approximate

Stewing or casserole beef, trimmed of excess fat - about 750g
1 1/2 large onions chopped into largish pieces
6 large carrots, peeled, halved and each half cut into quarters lengthways - you want thick batons
A handful of mushrooms, halved
2 tblsp plain flour
olive oil
salt and pepper
a handful of dried mushrooms, soaked and chopped very finely (keep the soaking liquid)
2 good beef stock cubes
2 small tomatoes peeled and finely chopped
1 can Guinness
3 tblsp maple syrup

Here's what I did:

Cut the beef into cubes and toss in a bag with the flour and salt and pepper.
Fry in batches over a high heat in the oil until browned.
Keep to one side in a bowl.
Add a bit more oil and fry the onion until slightly coloured then add the carrots and mushrooms.
Toss about a bit in the oil and then add the beef and all it's juices back to the pan.
Add the strained mushroom liquid and the stock cubes, and stir well to scrape all the lovely bits off the bottom of the pan.
Pour in the Guinness, and add the maple syrup, chopped tomatoes and soaked and chopped mushrooms. Bring to a simmer and put the lid on. Put in the oven for at 160C for two hours or until the gravy has reduced and thickened and the meat is meltingly tender.

About 15 minutes before serving, add some halved and boiled new potatoes.

Serve in large warm bowls, with crusty bread to mop up the gravy.

Good filling stuff.