Classic French Beef Stew With Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 lb mushrooms, quartered

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, parsley)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Season beef pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them in the pot in batches. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pot, add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.

4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, scraping the bottom of the pot.

5. Return the beef to the pot. Add tomato paste and bouquet garni. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 2 hours.

6. In a separate pan, sauté quartered mushrooms in a bit of oil until golden. Add them to the stew in the last 30 minutes of cooking.