LD's Guide to Japan

Made my very first from-scratch meal in my new apartment last night.  A Japanese-style beef stew called niku jaga (肉じゃが).  It’s fairly simple, but I’m really proud of it since I haven’t cooked anything from scratch in a looooong time.  Here’s the recipe I used:

1 lb beef - sliced

2 medium potatoes - cut into chunks

1 onion - sliced

1 carrot - sliced

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 cups water

2-3 tbsp  cooking wine

3-4 tbsp  soy sauce

Heat the oil in a pot and saute the meat until browned.  Add the potatoes, carrots, and onions and saute briefly.  Add the water and bring to a boil.  Skim any fat off the surface.  Lower the heat to medium.  Add the seasonings and continue to cook for 20 minutes.  Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then cover and cook until the liquid is almost evaporated.  Makes 2 servings.

EDIT: maybe I should hide the ridiculously girly pink oven mitt until my girlfriend moves in with me