How much star anise should I add to a stew? I’m making a stew with about 700 grams of meat and it will have a lower rather than higher amount of water.  I will be using star anise for first time and I hear a little bit can over power the whole stew so you should start small.  

I’m guessing with a stew you should add the whole star rather than ground powder?  How many stars would be ok to begin with considering the ingredients above?
Star anise is fairly potent.  For me, it is in the same category as cloves, in terms of potency.  I would use one "star" for starters.  Adjust from there.