Ingredients

  • 2 lbs stewing beef
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 1 -2 bay leaf
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 dash ground allspice or 1 dash ground cloves
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery ribs, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Method

  • Brown meat in hot oil.
  • Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice.
  • Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
  • Remove bay leaves and garlic clove.
  • Add carrots and celery.
  • Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer.
  • To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot.
  • Stir and cook until bubbly.