The Best Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-inch pieces
• salt and pepper
• canola oil, for cooking
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups beef or chicken stock
• 1/2 bottle red wine (about 2 cups)
• a few sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 lb. small, thin-skinned potatoes, halved
• 2-3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1-2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
• 1/2 cup peas (optional)