Beef Ragout with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Winter Sq

Directions

1. Bring small saucepan of water to a boil. Add tomatoes; cover and remove from heat.

Let tomatoes stand 20 minutes to soften, then drain and quarter; set aside.

1. In large plastic or paper bag, coat beef with four in 2 batches, Place in single layer on wax paper.
2. Warm 3 tablespoons of the oil in 8-quart Dutch oven over Add beef in batches so pan is not crowded. Cook until browned on all sides. (Add a bit of additional oil if needed. ) Remove to large plate.
3. Warm remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in same pan over medium Add onion; cook 10 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; add carrots and cook 3 minutes. Add broth, wine and vinegar, stirring to scrape up brown bits. Stir in quartered tomatoes, beef and juices, tomato paste, garlic, parsley and thyme. Cover; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1½ hours, or until the meat is almost tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Add squash, salt and pepper and bring back to a simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes, or until squash is fork-tender. Dinner Plan: Remove ½ of stew to microwaveproof container; cool, then freeze for later use. To remaining stew, add peas (if desired) and wamm thnough. (Approximate microwave times: Defrost 40 minutes: to reheat, add peas and cook 8 minutes, stirring once or twice. )