Mediterranean Beef Stew

This was a simple dish to make and an incredibly interesting and delicious one to eat!  I use some interesting spices or varieties of spices but you can just use regular chili powder, paprika, cinnamon and cloves.  Either way, the spices together are really complex.  You can use frozen onions or any small variety you like.  These cipollini ones are really sweet and add a lot to the spicy sauce.  You could add vegetables to the stew but I think it’s great with just the meat and the onions.

MEDITERRANEAN BEEF STEW

1 1/2 lbs ground sirloin, or lean beef, cut into 2-inch pieces
8 oz cipollini onions, peeled and trimmed
1 T corn starch
2 cups water
6 oz tomato paste
1/2 t chili paste or 1/2 t chili powder
3 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
3 T red wine vinegar
1/2 t hot paprika
1/2 t oregano
1/2 t fresh thyme
1/2 t cinnamon
1/8 t cloves

Cipollini Onions

Toss meat in a baggie with the cornstarch.  In a casserole with a bit of cooking spray, brown all sides of the meat.  In a separate saucepan add all ingredients from the water to the end of the list and whisk until mixture has been brought to a boil.  Pour sauce over the meat and cover and simmer for three hours.  In the last hour, throw in the onions.