Rustic beef stew

🍲 Instructions

1. Prepare the beef:
   Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels. Toss them lightly in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.

2. Brown the meat:
   In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the aromatics:
   In the same pot, add a little more butter or oil if needed. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

4. Deglaze the pot:
   Stir in the tomato paste and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for flavor.

5. Add the vegetables:
   Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir to coat everything evenly.

6. Simmer:
   Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the broth is rich and thick.

7. Season and serve:
   Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.