The Most Complicated Basic Beef Stew.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Stew beef, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• garlic salt to taste
• minced fresh parsley to taste and garnish
• 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 14 oz. can beef consomme
• 1 14 oz. can mushroom or vegetable broth
• 1 bottle (12 oz.) dark beer; brown or porter recommended.
• 2 small carrots; diced.
• 1 can small white or Great Northern beans.
• 2 medium onions; diced
• 3 large garlic cloves; minced
• 1 small can of tomato paste
• 1 pkg shitake mushrooms to taste; sliced
• 1 package enoki mushrooms to taste
• 1/2 package frozen peas; thawed
• 1 large handful of loose baby spinach
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• olive oil for browning