Instant Pot Beef Stew

Turn Instant Pot to Sauté, then select More. Wait for pot to heat up, then add oil. Add half the stew meat to pot and season with salt and lots of pepper to taste. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove meat from pot. Repeat with remaining meat. Cook onion and garlic until deeply golden. Add tomato paste and cook, mixing constantly until darkened in color and starts sticking to pot, about 4 minutes. Deglaze with 2 cups water. Place all meat into pot along with bay leaves, potatoes, and carrots. Stir to combine.  Seal Instant Pot and set to Manual High Pressure for 25 minutes.  Follow manufacturer’s guide for quick release, making sure to wait until cycle is complete before unlocking and removing lid. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup cooking liquid and flour. Stir mixture back into pot and set Instant Pot to Sauté. Simmer for 3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir peas into pot and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes more until peas are bright green. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.