Beef Irish Stew

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1-1/4 pounds stew beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 7 large garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup Guinness beer
• 6 cups beef stock (or broth)
• 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1-1/2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tablespoon dried thyme
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
• 1 pound parsnips, peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
• 2 cups carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped

1. Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a heavy, large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1-1/4 pounds beef stew meat. Saute until brown on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 7 large garlic cloves and saute another minute.
2. Add 6 cups beef stock, 1 cup red wine, 1 cup Guinness beer, 3 Tablespoons tomato paste, 1-1/2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tablespoon dried thyme and 4 bay leaves. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 2-1/2 hours. Stir occasionally.
3. In another large pot, melt 2 Tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add potatoes, parsnips, onion and carrots, sauteing until golden, about 15 minutes. Set aside until the stew has simmered 2-1/2 hours.
4. Add vegetables to beef stew and simmer uncovered until vegetables and beef are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Mix 1 Tablespoon cornstarch with 1 Tablespoon cold water until combined. Add slowly to the stew stirring for I minute until thickened. Discard bay leaves and remove any fat that may have accumulated on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.
6. This can be easily prepared in advance and kept refrigerated for up to three days.

olive oil, stew beef, garlic, red wine, beer, beef stock, tomato paste, sugar, worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, butter, russet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, yellow onion, salt, fresh parsley

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/beef-irish-stew-50144450 (may not work)