Hearty Beef Stew: Proper Pub Grub at Home - Comfort Food!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for thickening, if needed)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth or stock
• 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavour)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ lb (225g) frozen peas (added towards the end)