Provincial beef stew

1⁄2 cup niçoise olives, pitted and cut in half
1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

PREPARATION:

1. Combine flour, salt, and pepper. Reserve 1 tablespoon flour mixture. Lightly coat beef with remaining flour mixture.

2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot.

Brown half of the beef; remove from stockpot. Repeat with remaining 2 teaspoons oil and remaining beef. Remove beef from stockpot.
3. Add onion and garlic to stockpot; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until onions are tender. Add wine; increase heat to medium-high. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until browned bits attached to stockpot are dissolved.

Stir in broth, tomatoes, herbes de Provence, and reserved flour mixture. Return beef to stockpot; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 11 ⁄2 hours or until beef is fork-tender.

4. Add potatoes, zucchini, and yellow squash to stockpot; continue simmering, covered, 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add olives and basil; cook, uncovered, 2 to 3 minutes or until olives are heated through. Serve with cheese, if desired