Ultimate Beef Stew

Name: Ultimate Beef Stew
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons good olive oil; 4 ounces small-diced pancetta; 3 pounds boneless short ribs, cut in 1 1/2-inch chunks (4 1/2 pounds on the bone); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup Cognac or brandy; 1 cup hearty red wine, such as a Côtes du Rhône or Chianti, divided; 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions); 2 cups chopped fennel, trimmed and cored (1 large bulb); 2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves); 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including the juices; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth, such as College Inn; 1 pound carrots, scrubbed and cut 1/2 inch thick diagonally; 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, 1-inch diced; 10 ounces frozen peas