Stifado

1/4 c Olive oil 2 1/2 tb Chopped fresh thyme *

1 1/2 lb Boneless beef chuck 2 1/2 tb Chopped fresh rosemary *

- cut into 1-1/2" cubes 2 1/2 tb Chopped fresh oregano * 2 tb All-purpose flour 1 Bay leaf; crumbled

12 oz Sm. white boiling onions 1 ts Ground cumin

- Peeled 2 c Dry red wine 1 lb Tomatoes,peeled,seeded,chopd 1/2 lb Feta cheese, crumbled

3 Garlic cloves; minced Salt &

freshly ground pepper * 1 teaspoon dried herbs may be used instead of fresh. Preheat over to 350 F. Heat oil in heavy 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven over medium high heat. Toss beef with flour in large bowl. Add beef to pan in batches and cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to bowl. Add onions to pan and cook until light brown, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, herbs and cumin to pan. Stir in wine and bring to a boil. Cover and bake in oven until beef is tender, about 2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm to 350 F oven before continuing.) Stir feta into stew. Return to oven and continue baking until cheese is heated through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Source: (Takis Taverna, Corfu) "Bon Appetit" February 1990.
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