Beef Stifado

2 pounds beef, cut in bite size pieces

1 pound shallots, halved

1 big onion, chopped

6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 cup red wine

1 can chopped tomatoes + same amount vegetable broth

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 cinnamon stick

6 cloves

1 tablespoon oregano leaves

1 tablespoon rosemary leaves

6 whole allspice berries

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 bay leaves

salt & coarse pepper to taste

1. in a heavy bottomed cooking pot, heat 3 tablespoons butter, and brown the meat on all sides. Set aside

2. add shallots and brown. Then add garlic, cook 1 minute and add the tomato paste

3. deglaze with vinegar and wine. Add broth, and follow with tomatoes and brown sugar

4. add all spices, bring to a boil and return meat to pot. Lower heat and simmer for 2 hours

Stew tastes even better the next day!