Method
Coat beef with flour, shaking off excess. In a large nonstick pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef; sauté until browned. Place on a plate.
Add onions and mushrooms to pot; sauté lightly. Add garlic and spices; sauté, stirring for about 1 minute. Pour off fat. Return beef to pot; stir in tomato paste, then broth and bay leaf. Add enough water to just cover; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer until beef is tender, about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. Skim off any foam.
Add carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Cover partially; simmer for 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water; stir into stew. Increase heat and boil uncovered for 1 minute. Remove bay leaf from stew. Garnish and serve.