Beef Stew (Minimalist)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into one inch cubes
• 6 cups water
• 14 teaspoon pepper
• 6 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 6 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced (optional)
• 1 -2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 bay leaves
• cold water
• 14 cup flour or 14 cup cornstarch