This hearty stew of beef jerky, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables is completely made with dehydrated ingredients, except for the optional fresh carrot. Dehydrating fresh food is a great way to preserve it and to ensure that you always have ingredients on hand for easy homemade dinners that don't require a trip to the store. Dehydrated or dried ingredients are also great for adventurous home cooks who take their cooking skills on the road. Hikers and campers tend to find dry ingredients especially convenient as they are light, easy to carry, and not at risk of going bad before use. The stew is especially delicious served over cooked rice.