Preparation time: 30 minutes. Cooking time: 2 1/2 hours. Makes: 6 servings.

1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. each of salt, freshly ground black pepper and paprika
3 lbs. (1.5 kg) cubed stewing beef
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 leeks
2 onions
1 tbsp. butter
2 lg. cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
1/4 c. cognac or brandy
2 1/2 c. Burgundy red wine
1 c. beef broth or bouillon
1 1/2 tsp. dried leaf marjoram
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt

1. Mix flour with salt, pepper and paprika in a medium-size bowl or plastic bag. Add 1/3 of beef and coat evenly with flour mixture. Heat oil in a wide large saucepan set over medium heat. When oil is hot, shake excess flour from meat and place in hot oil.

Cook, turning occasionally, until beef is well browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate. Coat and brown beef in 2 more batches, adding more oil if necessary. Save any remaining flour mixture.

2. Discard dark green ends of leeks. Trim roots and slice leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse well under cold running water. Coarsely chop leeks and onions.

3. Reduce heat to low, remove saucepan from heat and add butter to pan. Add cut vegetables, crushed garlic and chopped parsley. Stir well and return saucepan to low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions start to soften, about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with any remaining flour mixture and stir until evenly coated. Gently scrape bottom of saucepan as you stir to lift off any brown bits.

4. Place meat back in pan. Pour cognac over top and immediately ignite. Flambe for a few seconds, then stir in 2 cups wine. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer gently, covered, tirring often, until meat is fork-tender, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

5. Just before serving, taste stew. If you would prefer a stronger wine taste, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup red wine. Then continue simmering for about 2 more minutes. Stew will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for at least 2 days. It also freezes well. Adding a little wine after reheating will perk up the flavor.

Per serving: 431 calories, 43.9 g protein, 19.5 g fat, 13.9 g carbohydrates, 5.7 mg iron, 55 mg calcium.