French-Style Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 1 leek leaf
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 3 sprigs of parsley
• 6-inch cooking twine
• 4 Tbsp canola or cooking oil of choice
• 3 lbs. beef stew meat
• 2 slices bacon, chopped into ¼ inch pieces
• 1 medium white onion, chopped (2 cups when chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 large russet potato, diced into ½ inch cubes (4 cups when cubed)
• 2 parsnips, chopped ½ inch pieces (2 cups when chopped)
• 2 carrots, chopped ½ inch pieces (2 cups when chopped)
• 2 cups chopped mushrooms of choice
• 4 cups low sodium beef stock
• 2 cups merlot wine
• 3 Tbsp tapioca starch or cornstarch
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• Bread for serving