Old-Time Beef Stew Recipe Courtesy Paula Deen - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs stewing beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 -2 bay leaf
1 medium onion, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 dash ground allspice or 1 dash ground cloves
3 large carrots, sliced
3 celery ribs, chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Preparation

Brown meat in hot oil.
Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice.
Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Remove bay leaves and garlic clove.
Add carrots and celery.
Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer.
To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth.
Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot.
Stir and cook until bubbly.