Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 1/2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed, cut into 2 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 cups good-quality red wine
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce (this is the critical ingredient, don't leave it out!)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb slender carrot, peeled, cut diagonally into 1 inch lengths
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with
• 1 tablespoon water
• 4 cups chopped onions
• 1 garlic clove, minced