Hearty Vegetable Stew Seasoned with Beef

Bring beef broth to a boil in a small saucepan; cook 15 minutes or until reduced to 2 cups. Set aside.

Trim fat from roast; cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef; brown on one side. Remove from pan, and set aside. Heat remaining oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, tomato paste, and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Return beef to pan. Add reduced broth, carrots, and next 6 ingredients (carrots through peas); bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl; stir well. Add to stew. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Ladle into soup bowls; garnish with parsley, if desired.

Note: If you don't want alcohol in your stew, you can substitute a dealcoholized wine (Graham used Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Select).