Columbian Beef and Dried Fruit Stew -- - Posta en Frutas Secas

Servings

Ingredients:

An 11-ounce package mixed dried fruit (prunes, dried apricots, peaches, and pears)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

Salt

Freshly ground pepper

3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup dry red wine

3 pounds lean beef, preferably top round, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 medium carrot, scraped and chopped

1 tablespoon soft butter, optional

Cooking Instructions:

Put the mixed dried fruit into a bowl with 1-1/2 cups warm water and leave to soak for 1 hour, turning the fruit from time to time. Drain, reserve the soaking water, and set the fruit aside. Heat the oil in a heavy casserole or saucepan and saute the beef, onion, garlic, and carrot for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the wine and the reserved soaking water from the fruit. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, covered, for 2 hours, or until the beef is almost tender. Add the fruit. The prunes and apricots should be left whole, the pears and peaches halved or quartered. Cover and simmer 30 minutes longer. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more wine. IF you want a slightly thicker sauce, mix the butter and flour together and drop a few smooth pieces into the casserole, blending well. Serve with rice.

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