Beef & Chickpea Stew

Harnessing the flavors of North Africa and the Mediterranean for this tomato based stew sweetened by carrot, onion. Chickpeas soak up the flavors from the meat and spices, making sure each bite is indulgent and hearty.

Ingredients

2 lb Chuck roast or Lamb - chopped into 2-3 inch cubes

2 large carrots - chopped

Beef or Chicken broth - 48oz (1.5 boxes)

Tomato paste - 6oz - Have another on hand

1 large onion - 2 medium sweet onions - chopped

15 oz chickpeas - (1 cup) cooked - canned is ok.. If using fresh, soak for 12hrs in cold water and 1 tsp of baking soda before using in this recipe.

Required Spices (adjust as the dish cooks)

• Allspice (ground - 2 Tbsp)

• cinnamon (ground - 1 Tsp)

• cardamom (ground - 1 Tbsp)

• cumin (ground - 1 Tbsp)

• paprika (ground - 1 Tbsp)

• ginger (ground - 1 Tbsp)

• salt ( 2-3 Tbsp) - as needed

• black pepper (ground - 1 Tsp)

  • If you have:

    • Bay leaf ( 2 leaves)

    • Coriander (ground - 1 Tbsp)

    • Nutmeg (ground - 2 Tbsp)

• Optional - for heat - cayenne powder (1 Tbsp)

Steps (3 hours / stovetop version)

• Set a stock pot/dutch oven, to medium heat.

• Once heated, add 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil and and add the meat (in cubes) to the pan.

• Allow to sear, about 7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.

• Add the chopped onions and carrots to the pot and stir for 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt.

• Add the tomato paste, and spices and incorporate and stir for 2 minutes.

• Add 32 oz of broth, 2 bay leaves, and cover while setting the pot to medium-low heat. Aim to have most of the meat mostly covered in liquid.

• Periodically flip the meat and stir the ingredients. If the lid is secure, the liquid should not be reducing much through the cooking process, but add more broth as you go to keep the meat mostly covered.

• After 2 hours - add the chickpeas and stir.

• After about 3 hours, the meat should start to feel tender and potentially be able to be pulled apart.

• When the meat has reached a tender point, remove the lid and let the liquid reduce for 10-15 minutes.

• Salt to taste, and if the liquid isn't sweet enough, a pinch of sugar can be added.

• garnish with fresh cilantro, onions or shallots.