Beef stew with root vegetables

2 pounds stew beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 bay leaf
2 onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 large carrots, sliced
2 turnips, peeled and cubed
2 potatoes, cubed

Brown meat in hot oil. Add water, garlic, bay leaf, onion, salt and pepper. Add water to cover. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Add carrots, potatoes and turnips. Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer.

Goes great with Rosemary-garlic bread!