Azu: Volga Tatar beef and dill pickle stew

Vegetable oil, for frying
500g (1lb 2oz) beef (stewing steak), cut into strips
2 medium onions, sliced
1 medium carrot, sliced (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
3-4 medium pickled or fermented cucumbers, cut into strips
1 tsp sugar
2 bay leaves
½ tsp black pepper, plus extra to serve
½ tsp hot paprika
500ml (17fl oz/2 cups) Beef Broth
500g (1lb 2oz) waxy potatoes, scrubbed and cut into thick chips
Salt, to taste
Chopped fresh dill and parsley, to garnish