Pioneer Stew

2 lbs. stew meat
3 Tbls. shortening
3 onions
3T. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. thyme
1 pint boiling water
2 Tbsp. vinegar
1 Tbsp. ketchup
2 cups cubed potatoes
1 cup cut celery
1 cup carrots (sliced)


Brown meat in shortening, add onions, cook until onions are done thoroughly. Mix flour and seasonings, sprinkle over meat. Stir often. Add water, vinegar, and ketchup. Simmer 1 1/2 hours. Cook vegetables separately in a small amount of water. Add vegetables and liquid to stew. Heat together.