Autumn Stew - Master recipes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour -
• 1/2 teaspoon salt -
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided -
• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes -
• 2 tablespoons canola oil -
• 2 tablespoons butter -
• 1 large onion, chopped -
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced -
• 3 medium carrots, thinly sliced -
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced -
• 4 cups water -
• 1 to 2 bay leaves -
• 1 to 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules -
• 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme -
• 3 cups cubed peeled pumpkin -