Beef Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lb. beef stew meat
2 Tbsp. shortening
1 c. tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
6 potatoes, peeled and halved
4 carrots
1 large onion
1 c. water (or tomatoes)
flour, optional

Preparation

Cube stew meat in 1 1/2 inch cubes; flour and brown. Add tomatoes, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 30 minutes; add potatoes, carrots, onions, and another c. of tomatoes or water; cover and cook slowly until vegetables are tender. If desired, gravy may be thickened with a little flour.