Mix flour, salt and pepper. Coat meat with flour mixture.
Melt shortening in large skillet or 6-quart saucepan; brown meat thoroughly.
Add water; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 2 hours.
Stir in remaining ingredients. Simmer 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
If desired, thicken stew. In covered small jar, shake 1 cup cold water and 4
tablespoons flour until blended. Stir into stew; heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
Boil and stir 1 minute.
Makes 6 servings.
To serve more people, just add more vegetables to the stew.