Beef Tagine With Sweet Potatoes

From Food and Cooking of Spain, Africa and the Middle East. As suggested by one reviewer, this is good with spinach and chickpeas added into the mix.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2-2  lbs stewing beef, cubed
• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 1  pinch turmeric
• 1  onion, chopped
• 1  fresh chili pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
• 1  pinch cayenne pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin
• 1  lb sweet potato
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh parsley
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh cilantro
• 1  tablespoon butter
•  salt
•  pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole and fry the meat, together with the turmeric and seasoning, over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the meat is evenly browned, stirring frequently.
2. cover the pan tightly and cook for 15 minutes over a gentle heat, without lifting the lid.
3. preheat the oven to 350.
4. add the onion, chili, paprika, cayenne and cumin to the pan with just enough water to cover the meat.
5. cover tightly and cook in the oven for 1 - 1 1/2 hours, till the meat is very tender, checking occasionally and adding extra water if necessary, to keep the stew moist.
6. meanwhile, peel the sweet potatoes and slice them straight into a bowl of salted water to avoid discoloring.
7. transfer to a pan, bring to a boil, simmer for 2-3 minutes, drain.
8. stir the chopped herbs into the meat, adding a little extra water if the stew appears dry.
9. arrange the potato slices over the meat and dot with butter.
10. cover and cook in the oven for a further 10 minutes, till the potatoes feel very tender.
11. increase the oven temp to 400.
12. remove the lid of the casserole and cook in the oven or under the broiler for 5-10 minutes till the potatoes are golden.
13. serve at once.