Sicilian Stew

Ingredients

• 2 lb. lean stew beef
• 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes
• 1 c. beef broth
• 1/2 c. dry red wine
• 1/4 c. tapioca
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tsp. each fresh or 1 teaspoon marjoram, oregano and basil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. dry red pepper flakes
• 2 medium onions, cut up
• 4 stalks celery, cut up
• 2 to 4 potatoes, cut up
• 4 to 6 carrots, cut up
• 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms
• 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas, thawed (optional)