Stifado (Spiced Braised Beef & Onions)

Submitted by CJAY8248

"I found this on alleasyrecipes.com. I'm posting it for ZWT 6. Greece"

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 30mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Yields: 3 lbs. beef
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup olive oil
• 3 lbs beef, cut in 1 inch cubes
• 4 cups beef broth (can use water)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 cinnamon stick (4-inch)
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 2 lbs white pearl onions
• 1⁄4 lb feta cheese, cut in 1/2-inch cubes

directions

1. Heat oil in a heavy frying pan over moderate heat until smoking.
2. Pat beef cubes completely dry with paper towels before browning quickly in hot oil; brown 3 or 4 batches, turning frequently with slotted spoon and regulating heat so meat browns a deep color without burning.
3. Transfer beef to a heavy 6-quart casserole.
4. Add water, tomato paste, vinegar, cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper to pan drippings in beefs original skillet; bring to a boil.
5. Meanwhile, scrape brown particles clinging to the bottom and sides of pan; pour scrapings over meat in casserole.
6. Bring meat and liquid to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover casserole tightly and simmer 1 1/4 hours.
7. Meanwhile, peel onions and add to casserole at the end of 1 1/4 hours; cover and cook 30 minutes longer, or until beef and onions are tender.
8. Stir in cheese; simmer, uncovered, 2 to 3 minutes, or until cheese softens and is heated through.
9. Taste to correct seasonings. Serve directly from casserole.