2 lbs beef stew meat, cut in 1 1/2″ cubes
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups hot water
2 Tbsp red wine of your choice (I chose Cupcake Malbec this time)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 bay leaves (I used fresh off the bay tree I have growing in my bathroom)
1 Tbsp fine sea salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, if possible
dash ground allspice
5 carrots, peeled and sliced
6 medium potatoes, peeled, pared and quartered
1/3 cup cold water
3 Tbsp all purpose flour