Kavardak Beef Stew with Potatoes (Кавардак)

Ingredients

• 1 lb /500g beef or lamb (cubed into 2" chunks)
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 2 onions (cut in half, sliced into rings)
• 2 carrots sliced into chunky pieces (or sliced into match sticks)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 red pepper (chopped into 2" pieces)
• 5 medium potatoes (quartered or sliced into thick pieces)
• 2 cups beef stock
• salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

1. 1

   In a stock pot, heat the oil and brown the beef. Cook until the water releases and cooks away (about 10 minutes). When the water has evaporated, add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.

2. 2

   Add the onions to the meat and sauté until softened. (about 7-8 minutes)

3. 3

   Mix in the carrots, garlic and red pepper to the meat mixture and sauté for about 5 minutes

4. 4

   Add the potatoes, beef stock and 1 bay leaf. The water may not cover the potatoes, that is ok, this is not soup, but a stew.

5. 5

   Bring to a boil, cover with a lid. Reduce and simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and cooked. Add coriander and cumin, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

6. 6

   Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread.