You can’t rush it.

And you definitely can’t multitask through it.

Ingredients (Serves 6, plus leftovers that taste better after reflection)

The Base

900 g (2 lb) beef chuck or lamb shoulder, cut into large cubes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

The Logic Layer

2 large onions, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

The Structure

3 carrots, sliced thick

3 potatoes, cubed

2 celery stalks, chopped

The Variables

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cumin

1 bay leaf

Fresh thyme

The Equation

1 liter (4 cups) beef broth

1 cup water or red wine