Traditional Beef Stew

2 T extra-virgin olive oil

2 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces

2 tsp. salt, plau more if needed

1 tsp pepper

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 large onion, chopped

1 tsp thyme

3 C beef broth

4 medium red potatoes, quartered

4 medium carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces or 2 C baby carrots

2 C defrosted frozen corn

1 1/2 C frozen petite peas

2 T butter, softened

2 T flour

1. Heat the oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the meat evenly with salt and pepper, add to the pressure cooker a few pieces at a time, and brown on all sides, removing the meat to a plate when done, Add the garlic, onion and thyme and saute for 2 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften. Return the meat to the pot and add the stock. Pile the potatoes and carrots on top of the meat. Lock the lid in place and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes.

2. Release the pressure naturally and remove the lid, tilting the pot away from you to avoid the escaping steam. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce and add the corn and peas to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil. In a small dish, stir together the butter and flour to from a paste and add it to the pot. Return the stew to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.