Hearty Beef Stew

Serves 6
Total time 2 hours

Ingredients

1. 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
2. 3 tablespoons flour
3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. 1 large onion, diced
5. 3 carrots, cut in chunks
6. 3 potatoes, cut in chunks
7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
8. 4 cups beef broth
9. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11. 1 bay leaf
12. 1 cup peas (frozen)
13. Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Toss beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown beef on all sides, then remove.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste, then add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Return beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer covered for 1 and a half hours until beef is tender.
6. Stir in peas and cook 5 minutes more.
7. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Tips

1. A splash of red wine adds depth to the broth.
2. Stew tastes even better the next day.
3. Serve with crusty bread for a full meal.