1kg of stewing beef
2 large white onions ( or 4-6 small white onions)
3crushed garlic cloves
3tbs olive oil
2 bay leaves
1tbs oregano
1crushed clove
1 cinnamon stick
A grate of fresh nutmeg
A pinch chilli flakes
2cans chopped tomatoes
1tbls red wine vinegar
1tbs tomato purée
175 ml red wine
1 heaped tsp caster/ brown sugar
Salt and pepper
Chopped coriander ( optional )
Greek Tzatziki to serve
Chop the beef into chunks then Pour some of the oil into a heavy casserole and fry the beef chunks til browned all over, remove with a slotted spoon and add the chopped onions . Fry til translucent add the sugar and fry til slightly caramelised then add the garlic then the spices,and chilli add the purée and replace the beef and stir well. Now pour in the tomatoes, around a can of water , then the wine, stir again and season generously and add the bay leaves. Allow to bubble, pop on the lid and place in a hot oven 180-200c ( or Aga simmering oven ) to slow cook til the meat is tender - 2-3 hrs or so. Check halfway through cooking and add a little more water if necessary.
Serve with rizzi or potatoes chopped coriander and tzatziki.