Chunky Thick Italian Beef Stew

Ingredients (14)

• 1 lb . stewing beef
• 3/4 cup of tomato puree (passata)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 bouillon cube if desired
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-2 cloves of garlic sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups peas
• 2 medium potatoes chopped
• 2-3 medium-large carrots chopped large
• hot pepper flakes to taste if desired