Moroccan Style Beef Stew

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time2 1/2 Hours

Ingredients:

2 lbs lean boneless shin of beef or chuck steak, cut into 1 inch cubes

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons Moroccan spices, e.g., Ras El Hanout

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium onions, peeled and finely sliced

2 large garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped or crushed

1 pint good, hot beef stock

1 x 14 oz can chickpeas, drained

To Garnish:

3 tablespoons Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint

Method:

  1. Place the flour in a large, clean, plastic food bag, season and add the cumin and Moroccan spices.
  2. Gently toss the beef cubes in the seasoned flour to coat.
  3. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large non-stick frying pan and brown the beef in batches.
  5. Transfer to a large ovenproof casserole dish.
  6. In the same frying pan add the remaining oil and cook the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes then transfer to the casserole.
  7. Add the stock, bring to the boil, cover and cook in in the oven for 2½ hours, or until the beef is tender.
  8. 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time add the chick peas and return to the oven.
  9. Garnish the stew with the yogurt and mint and serve with steamed couscous, rice or mash.

Tip:

Alternatively, cook the stew on the stove over a low heat for 2-2½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Slow Cooker Version:

  1. This recipe works well in a slow cooker too but use only ½ pint beef stock. 
  2. Follow above method points 1-4. 
  3. Then transfer to the slow cooker. 
  4. Heat the remaining oil in the frying pan and cook the onions and garlic then transfer to the slow cooker with the stock. 
  5. Cook on High for 4 hours or you could cook on low for 8 hours. 
  6. Add the chick peas during the last 30 minutes of the cooking time. 
  7. Garnish the stew with the yogurt and mint and serve with steamed couscous, rice or mash.