A kitchen grows richer with every dependable recipe we add to it; today, that recipe is Give Me a Stew. This belongs in the collection of recipes that make cooler days feel much more inviting. This is another beautiful reminder of how welcoming a Middle Eastern table can be. This is exactly the sort of recipe that keeps a kitchen feeling alive and well used.
Ingredients
- 200 grams beef or lamb stew
- 1 kilo English peas shelled and rinsed
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbs. Olive oil
- 3/4 tbs. 7 spice
- 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon ground
- 1/4 tsp. Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 4 cups water
- 3 tbs. Tomato paste
Instructions
- When peas are in season I like to shell them add diced carrots and freeze in a ziplock bag until I’m ready to make a stew for a busy day (you can also use frozen peas from the market).
- In a pressure cooker heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil on low, add the onions a little bit of salt and sauté until tender. Add the meat give it a stir then sprinkle the spices mentioned. Let the meat get some color on all sides.
- Add the frozen peas, carrots and potatoes give a good stir so everything is combined. Let it cook for a couple of minutes before adding 4 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1/2 a teaspoon salt. You can always adjust your salt later.
- Pressure cook for 20 minutes. Let the stem out before opening the cooker.
- Serve next to vermicelli rice.
Notes
- I like to use conventional pressure cooker if using the electric one time might vary! but start with 20 minutes and adjust accordingly.
- If you don’t own a pressure cooker follow step 2 using a 6 quart pot, add the water and let the meat cook until fork tender. Then add vegetables and tomato paste and let cook together. You might need more water since it evaporates.