Old-Fashioned Beef Stew - vegetable oil

Method

• To flour mix in salt and pepper.
• Dredge beef cubes in flour mixture.
• In large pan add oil and brown beef.
• Remove beef to pressure cooker (or crock pot).
• Add additional oil if required and saute onions for 1 minute.
• Stir in tomato paste and broth to deglaze pan.
• Add the wine (if using) and cook another 30 seconds.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves and pour over beef.
• Pressure Cooker:
• Lock the lid in place. Over high heat, bring to high pressure.
• Reduce heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 30 minutes.
• Allow the pressure to come down naturally (about 15 minutes).
• Remove the lid and test beef, if not sufficiently tender, return to high pressure for an additional 5 minutes. Again, let the pressure come down naturally.
• Stir in garlic, thyme, potatoes, celery and place carrots on the top.
• Lock the lid in place. Over high heat, bring to high pressure. Reduce the heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 5 minutes.
• Quick-release the pressure.
• If vegetables are not sufficiently tender, set the lid in place and allow them to steam in the residual heat, another minute or two.
• If you would like a thicker gravy, mash a few pieces of potato against the side of the cooker and stir into the stew.
• Crock pot:
• Place beef, liquids and remaining ingredients in the crock pot.
• Cover and cook on low 12 hours or on high 5 to 6 hours or until tender.
• Serve with fresh biscuits!