Lighter Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme ( co xa huong )
  
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley ( rau mui )
  
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns ( hat tieu )
  
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 3/4 pounds beef tenderloin, cut into 3/4-inch pieces ( bo than )
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 3/4 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought beef stock (14 ounces)
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry rose or white wine
• 6 canned whole plum tomatoes, crushed
• 6 medium carrots (about 12 ounces), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 medium parsnips (about 8 ounces), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 medium turnip (about 10 ounces), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces ( cu cai )
  

Directions

1. Make the bouquet garnish: Put thyme, bay leaves, parsley, and peppercorns on a piece of cheesecloth; tie into a bundle with kitchen twine, and set aside.
2. Put flour into a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add beef; toss to combine. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large heavy stockpot over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef; cook until browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a bowl. Add 1/4 cup water to pot, and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Pour over beef. Return the pot to heat. Repeat with 2 teaspoons oil and remaining beef. Whisk 1/4 cup stock into remaining flour in bowl; set aside.
3. Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil, the onions, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add wine; cook, scraping up browned bits, until wine has almost evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, flour mixture, remaining stock, 1/2 cup water, and the bouquet garni. Bring to a boil. Add carrots, parsnips, and turnip. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Add beef; cook until heated through and liquid has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove bouquet garni. Serve immediately.