North African Beef-and-Carrot Stew with Mint

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Photo: Romulo Yanes
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4

Talk about fast and flavorful; this recipe pairs beef (we're talking sirloin here), with it's old pal carrots but gives them a new spin with cinnamon, cayenne, and fresh mint. Plus it takes just 35 minutes to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ pounds boneless sirloin steak, cut into 1 ¼-inch pieces

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

  • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)

  • 5 medium carrots, cut on the bias into 2-inch pieces

  • ¼ cup tomato paste

  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, sliced if large, for serving

  • Steamed couscous, for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Season sirloin with salt and pepper. Heat a large, wide shallow pan over medium-high heat. Swirl in 1 tablespoon oil, add steak in a single layer, and cook, turning a few times, until browned and medium-rare, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

  2. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan and cook vegetables, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden in places, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add spices and cook until fragrant, 15 seconds. Add broth; bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until carrots are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Return sirloin and any accumulated juices to pan; cook until warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle with mint. Serve over couscous.

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