Beef and Onion Stew / Stifádo

Stifádo is a hearty stew that is especially good in cool weather.

3 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 lb. beef chuck or top round, cut into 2-inch cubes
3 c. thinly sliced onions
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
1 10½-oz. can beef broth
1 c. water
¼ c. red-wine vinegar
½ tsp. salt
¹/₈ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. cinnamon
1 bay leaf

1. In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until it begins to sizzle.
2. Add meat and brown on all sides. When browned, carefully remove meat with a spatula or a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Put onions and garlic in the Dutch oven and cook until lightly browned.
4. Return meat to the Dutch oven. Add tomato paste, beef broth, water, vinegar, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Mix well.
5. Cover Dutch oven and turn heat to low. Simmer stew about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent meat from sticking to the Dutch oven. The sauce will become very thick, almost like jam.
6. Remove bay leaf and serve.*

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3½ to 4½ hours
Serves 4 to 6

*To vary this savory dish, add 1 c. finely crumbled feta cheese before serving.