Miner's Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp

vegetable oil

1 1/2 lb

boneless beef chuck steak, cut into 1-inch pieces

3/4 cup

chopped onion

1 clove

garlic, minced

3 tbsp

all-purpose flour

14 - ounce can beef broth

1/4 cup

canned tomato puree

bay leaf

1 1/2 cups

coarsely chopped carrot

1 cup

coarsely chopped celery

1 cup

coarsely chopped red sweet pepper

1 cup

frozen pearl onions

1/2 cup

frozen peas

1 1/2 tsp

bottled hot pepper sauce

1/4 tsp

dried thyme, crushed

1/4 tsp

ground black pepper

Bread soup bowls (optional)