Kokkinisto - Beef Stew in Tomato Sauce

One of our favorite family comfort meals, this is a common dish across many cultures. There are regional differences related to the spices used (cinnamon?!), but the end result should be a rich, and sweet stew. We love to pair with home made french fries to get a little crunch and texture variety. And of course, feta cheese can't hurt.

Please follow our recipe for Homemade French Fries:

Ingredients (serves 4) (1.5 to 2hrs)

• 3 lbs top round, or chuck , cut into 1 inch cubes

• 2 medium yellow onions - shredded (cheese grater or blender)- strain excess liquid.

• 2 cup strained, crushed or pureed tomatoes (you can also blend whole canned). If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to use, but strain some of the water.

• 1 cup of water or broth (beef or veggie) depending on your preference.

• Olive Oil

• 1 Tbsp Salt (reserve some til the end as the liquid quantities will change).

• Black Pepper

• 3 Bay Leaves

• Touch of thyme or greek oregano.

• 1 Tsp Allspice

• Cinnamon (optional)

Use Large stock pot or dutch oven with a lid. Higher quality is preferred to be able to cook the food under pressure without burning / sticking on the bottom.

Steps

• Most of the work is preparing the shredded onions, tomatoes and beef.

• Start the cooking process by sauteeing the shredded onions. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to a medium heated pan, add the onions, a pinch of salt, black pepper, bay leaves.

• When the onions start to turn from translucent to golden, add the beef chunks and stir repeatedly. After about 5 minutes, the beef chunks should be slightly browned, add the tomatoes , allspice and the broth.

• Cover and let stew on medium heat for 1.5 to 2hrs. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the bottom of the pan seems to be burning, reduce the heat.

• Periodically check the pot to make sure the liquid hasn't evaporated, and skim off any unsightly residue floating to the top.

• Add broth, and more tomatoes if required..

• Stew the meat is fork tender

• If there is excess liquid or a watered down taste, continue to cook without the lid and add salt/spices and/or tomato.