INGREDIENTS
5 lb
boneless beef chuck (not lean), cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tbsp
olive oil
3
carrots, quartered
3
celery ribs, quartered
2
medium onions, quartered
1
head garlic, halved crosswise
3 tbsp
tomato paste
1/3 cup
balsamic vinegar
1
bottle dry red wine (about 3 3/4 cups)
2
Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
2
thyme sprigs
3 cups
reduced-sodium beef broth
3 cups
water
2 1/2 lb
small white boiling potatoes
1 1/2 lb
carrots
Equipment: a wide 6-to 8-quart heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid
Accompaniment: crusty bread