Saute: Brown beef cubes in cooking oil. Set aside—brown onions and garlic in the same pot.
Add the Spices: Cook the onions and garlic with the spices such as paprika, cumin powder, and white pepper, and add the oyster sauce. for five to eight minutes. Sprinkle the flour over onion and spice. Stir well to incorporate the flour and form a thick paste. Gradually add in 900 millilitres of water. Stir to prevent lumps. Add sliced carrots and potatoes and combine. Add the thyme, rosemary and basil. Bring the stew to boil on medium low heat.
Add the Beef Stock: Crumble in the beef stock cubes for added flavour. Stir in the tomato paste for depth. Let the stew simmer for 50 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even-cooking.