Marias Beef Stew Recipes

MARIA'S SPEZZATINO: MARIA'S STEW

Steps:

• In a large stewing pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil, and sear the beef for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the pot, and add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables have become soft. Add 1 cup of red wine, and let it reduce. Add the potatoes to the pot, and season with salt and pepper. Throw the seared beef back into the pot, and then add the tomato puree, and the remaining wine. Let the liquid come to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the meat is very tender and the liquid reduced, for an hour and a half more. Add a little water if the liquid cooks down too fast.

MARIA'S BEEF STEW

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, stir flour, garlic salt and pepper. Place meat in bowl and toss until meat is well coated.In a pressure cooker over medium-high heat, brown meat in oil. Add potatoes, tomato sauce, onion, water, salt and cumin stir to mix. Secure lid on pressure cooker according to manufacturer's directions. Cook over high heat until pressure regulator begins to rock gently. Adjust heat to maintain a slow, steady rocking motion (15 pounds of pressure). Cook for 10 minutes.* Reduce pressure at once by placing pressure cooker under cool running water according to manufacturer's directions.Stir in zucchini, corn, parsley and chili powder if desired. Cover loosely with lid. Over medium heat, cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until zucchini is tender.To serve, cut potatoes into smaller pieces. Ladle into bowls or mugs. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.