Stewed Beef with Cloves

canarygirl's Note:

This beef stew is wonderfully aromatic! The cloves add a special and unusual touch to the flavor of the meat.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 ½ lbs beef stew meat
• 3 -4 cloves garlic
• 3 -4 sprigs parsley
• 1 large onion , diced
• 1 small green pepper , diced
• 1 carrot , peeled and sliced into rounds
• 1 -2 potato , peeled and cut into bite sized chunks
• 3 -4 whole cloves
• 1 -2 sprig fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves (about)
• 1 -2 bay leaf , to taste
• 4 -5 saffron threads or ½ teaspoon turmeric (about)
• 1 beef double bouillon cubes (knorr)
• salt and pepper
• 1 quart water (approximately)
• olive oil

Directions:

1. Salt and pepper the meat, and drizzle a little olive oil over it, mix well and allow to stand for about 1/2 hour (more if you have time).
2. Mash garlic with a bit of salt and the parsley leaves using a mortar and pestle.
3. Heat about 2-3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat and sauteé the onion, garlic, and vegetables until the onion becomes translucent, then add cloves, herbs, saffron or tumeric and boullion cube.
4. Stir well, and cook until fragrant.
5. Add beef and stir well, browning the meat a bit.
6. Add water and bring to a boil.
7. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until tender, stirring every once in a while.
8. Remove cover and reduce sauce a bit, until it thickens.
9. Serve with french fries and Garlic Mayo (ali-oli), or steamed rice.