Beef stew with dark chocolate and red wine

Ingredients

2 kg of beef brisket

1 large onions, chopped

4 carrots peeled and cut into 1 inches slices

200g of daikon or parsnips  peeled and cut into 1 inch slices

2 cups of red wine

3 cups of beef broth

100g of dark chocolate, if using chocolate squares about 4 pieces

1 tsp of salt

A few dashes of freshly ground black pepper

2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. In a large skillet set over medium heat,  season the beef with salt and pepper and cook the beef till brown on all sides and transfer to the pot. Then put the onions in the skillet, and saute them until they soften -- about 5 minutes. Transfer to the pot. Then add the carrots and parsnips to the skillet, and let them cook until slightly caramelized -- about 5 minutes on each side. Into the pot they go. Finally, pour red wine into the skillet and scrape the remaining bits of  meat left and pour into the pot. Lastly add in the red wine, beef broth, bay leaves into the pot. Ensure that the broth cover the ingredients.
2. Bring to boil over high heat and cover and simmer till the beef is tender . I am using a soft cooker so about 4 hrs on low heat . If you are rushing, a good 2 hrs on high heat will be enough.
3. Serve with warm rice or breads . 

NOTE: The aroma of chocolate will give the beef stew a  very flavourful after taste and you will definitely love the gravy and melt in your mouth beef . Enjoy on a cold day to keep warm.