Bazella (Middle Eastern-Style Beef Casserole)

This Middle Eastern-style beef casserole is easy to prepare and makes an excellent weekend lunch or supper dish.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 3

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  onion, finely chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, crushed
• 1  lb  lean braising  steak, cut into small cubes
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1⁄4 cups red wine
• 5  ounces tomato paste
• 1 1⁄4 cups water
• 1  fresh bay leaf
• 1  dash Worcestershire sauce
• 1  ounce  shelled fava beans, fresh
• 2  tablespoons  chopped flat leaf parsley
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
•  crusty bread, to serve

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Heat the oil in heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and gently fry until golden.
3. Add the braising steak and cinnamon, and fry for a further 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the meat is lightly browned. Transfer the contents of the frying pan to a casserole.
4. Deglaze the frying pan with half the wine, and pour this mixture into the casserole.
5. Add the tomato paste, water and remaining wine to the casserole. Stir in the bay leaf and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and season to taste.
6. Place the casserole in the oven and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes.
7. Stir in the beans and cook for a further 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the parsley just before serving.
9. Ladle into serving dishes and garnish each dish with a parsley sprig.
10. Serve with good crusty bread.