Today, I’m cooking something hearty and comforting: beef with peas (Μοσχάρι με αρακά). It's one of those classic dishes that fill your home with a delicious aroma and bring everyone to the table with a smile!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef (stewing cuts like shoulder or chuck, cut into cubes)
- 500g fresh or frozen peas
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, grated or chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 cups of water or beef broth
- A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
Instructions:
Sear the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes and sear them on all sides until they are nicely browned. This step will lock in the flavors and give the meat a rich color.
Add Onions and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot, and sauté for a few minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Simmer with Tomatoes:
- Add the grated tomatoes (or chopped tomatoes) to the pot, along with the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.
Add the Peas:
- Once the tomato mixture has thickened a bit, add the peas and stir them in. If you’re using fresh peas, they’ll cook faster, but frozen peas work just as well.
Simmer:
- Pour in enough water or beef broth to cover the ingredients. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the peas are cooked through.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the stew and add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the flavors.
Serve:
- Serve this comforting dish hot, with a side of fresh bread to soak up the sauce, or over some fluffy rice for a complete meal.
Wishing You All a Beautiful Sunday Afternoon! 🍽️
May your Sunday be filled with warmth, delicious meals, and great company. Enjoy this simple but flavorful dish, and thanks again for welcoming me so kindly! 😊
Tags:
greek food