There are many ways of stewing, but a basic recipe usually involves bringing the liquid covering the ingredients to a boil first. The heat is then reduced to very low and the stew left to simmer until the gravy thickens and the ingredients are tender. Many stews are simmered for hours, but there are also fast stews which are thickened with cornflour. With modern gadgets such as the pressure cooker which can tenderise meats in minutes, stewing time can now be shortened. Slow cookers can also be used for stewing.
Stews are also great because they can be kept for up to a week, and taste better with reheating.
It also makes a good one-dish meal as it has both meats and vegetables. Slice beef and marinate with salt, pepper and thick soy sauce for 10 minutes. Sprinkle flour to coat beef. Heat oil and fry cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves and onions. Add in marinated beef and fry for another three minutes to seal in the flavours and nutrients of the beef.