Beef Stew with Fennel & Shallots - Guiding Stars

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean beef stew meat, trimmed and cubed
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• ½ fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large shallots, chopped
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¾ tsp. pepper
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced thick
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 10 oz. small boiling onions, peeled and halved
• 3 oz. mushrooms, chopped
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley