THICK & CREAMY BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in 5 quart casserole over medium high heat. Add 1/3 of the beef cubes and brown on all sides (6-8 minutes). Transfer meat to plate or bowl. Repeat with remainder of beef until all is browned.
• Add chopped onion to pan, reducing heat to low and sauté for about 6-8 minutes or until onion is tender and translucent.
• Return beef to pan and sprinkle with flour, tossing until all is coated. Transfer all to casserole to oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
• Pour any reserved juices (from beef on plate) over the beef, along with the wine and broth (if beef is not covered add more beef broth or water).
• Tie parley sprigs, garlic, thyme and bay leaf in a cheesecloth.
• Add herbs (in cheese cloth bag) to beef with salt and pepper.
• Bring mixture to a boil on top of stove and then transfer mixture to casserole and then to oven.
• Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in carrots, adding more broth (or water) is sauce is too thick or mixture seems dry. Continue baking for 30-45 minutes (20-30 if using baby carrots). Discard cheesecloth bag.
• While stew is baking in oven, in a medium saucepan boil water (enough to cover onions) and add onions and boil for 1 minute. Drain onions and peel onions.
• In a skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon butter. Add onions to skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Remove onions from skillet and add to stew, along with the fennel (if using) in casserole in the oven. Continue baking for 20 more minutes.
• Remove from oven and add peas to casserole, simmering an additional 5-10 minutes on top of the stove. Stir in minced parsley.