Mountain Beef Stew with Golden Fried Potatoes

👩🏻‍🍳 Preparation Steps for Canned Beef Stew:

1. Clean and sterilize glass jars and metal lids thoroughly.
2. Place 1 bay leaf and a few peppercorns into the bottom of each glass jar.
3. Season the cut beef chunks evenly with salt in a large bowl.
4. Pack the seasoned beef tightly into the jars, leaving about 2 cm of space at the top.
5. Seal the jars tightly with the metal lids.
6. Line a large kettle or deep stockpot with a clean towel, arrange the jars inside, and fill with water until the jars are submerged up to their necks.
7. Cover the pot, bring to a boil, and simmer gently over low heat for 4 hours to cook the beef in its own juices.
8. Carefully remove the jars from the hot water bath and allow them to cool completely at room temperature for long-term storage.

👩🏻‍🍳 Preparation Steps for Mountain Beef with Golden Potatoes:

1. Peel the potatoes and wash them thoroughly in cold water.
2. Heat the cooking oil in a large cauldron or deep heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
3. Gently place the whole peeled potatoes into the hot oil and fry until they turn rich golden brown and crisp on the outside.
4. Remove the fried potatoes using a skimmer and transfer them to a bowl.
5. Drain out most of the frying oil, leaving a small amount in the cauldron for cooking the meat.
6. Add the fresh beef chunks into the hot cauldron and sear until browned on all sides.
7. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and bay leaves, then cover and cook gently until tender.
8. Return the golden fried potatoes back into the cauldron on top of the cooked beef.
9. Top the potatoes with thinly sliced onion rings, cover the cauldron tightly with a lid, and steam on low heat for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.