Beef Bourguignon

Ingredients (18)

• 2 1/4 pounds beef (such as brisket, chuck steak, or stewing beef)
• 3 to 4 bay leaves
• 6 garlic cloves, halved
• 1 small bunch fresh thyme
• 1 bottle good French red wine
• 4 large carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 cup baby onions, or round shallots, peeled
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 7 ounces smoked bacon lardons
• 2 cups button mushrooms, washed
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped