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
Step 1: Read the Problem Carefully
Before you turn on the stove, read the recipe all the way through.
Most people don’t.
That’s mistake number one — in math and in cooking.
Season the meat generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Brown the meat in batches.
Not all at once.
Crowding the pan lowers the temperature, just like rushing through a problem lowers accuracy.
Step 2: The False Confidence Phase
Remove the meat and set it aside.
Lower the heat slightly.
Add onions to the same pot.
