Old-Time Beef Stew

Make 6 servings.

Ingredients :

• 2 lb stew beef 
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil 
• 2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 
• 1 clove garlic, peeled 
• 1 or 2   bay leaves 
• 1 medium onion, sliced 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon sugar 
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper 
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 
• dash ground allspice or ground cloves 
• 3 large carrots, sliced 
• 4 red potatoes, quartered 
• 3 ribs celery, chopped 
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions :

1. 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, potatoes, 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 hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly.