Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless beef chuck, (well-marbled, cut into 1½-inch pieces)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 7 cloves garlic, (peeled and smashed)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1½ teaspoons sugar
• 4 large carrots, (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks on a diagonal)
• 1 pound small white boiling potatoes ((baby yukons), cut in half)
• Fresh chopped parsley, (for serving (optional))