Beef Stew

• 2 1/2 lbs lean beef, cut in 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 3 dashes Tabasco sauce (hot chili pepper sauce)
• 2 teaspoons Kitchen Bouquet (Browning and Seasoning Sauce)
• 2 rutabagas, peeled and cut in 1-inch pieces
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut in 1-inch pieces
• 4 -6 potatoes, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen green pea
• 14 1/2 ounces white pearl onions
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 14 1/2 ounces beef broth

1. Using a 6-8 quart kettle, brown the beef cubes in olive oil.
2. Meanwhile, mince the garlic and add it to the pot.
3. Add canned tomatoes, 1 can of beef broth, seasonings, Kitchen Bouquet, and rutabagas. Simmer, covered, for 1/2 hour.
4. Throughout the cooking process, add water as needed to cover meat and veggies.
5. Add the carrots and continue simmering, covered for 1/4 hour.
6. Meanwhile, scrub the potatoes and peel them or not, according to your preference. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
7. Add the potatoes, frozen vegetables, and pearl onions to the pot and continue simmering for about another 1/2 hour, until the potatoes are tender but not soft.
8. Empty the 2nd can of beef broth into a bowl and whisk in the corn starch.
9. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, until the cornstarch mixture is no longer milky-colored and the liquid in the pot has thickened slightly.
10. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon additional cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and repeat Step 9 until it reaches the desired consistency.
11. Serve in bowls, with hot French rolls or fresh homemade bread on the side.

lean beef, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, beef broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, basil, parsley, tabasco sauce, kitchen, rutabagas, carrots, potatoes, frozen green beans, frozen corn, frozen green pea, white pearl, cornstarch, beef broth

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/beef-stew-519515 (may not work)