Spicy Hanukkah Beef Stew

November 9, 2023

Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) is an eight-day festival celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple following the Maccabean Revolt. It is celebrated by lighting the hanukkiah or the nine-branched menorah every night, reciting special prayers and enjoying fried food. This feast falls during the cold, dark months of winter, so what’s better than a hearty stew full of warm spices and fried ingredients for a perfect Hanukkah meal?

Ingredients:

• Olive oil for frying
  1 kg. (2.2 lbs.) ground beef
  2 Tbsp. fresh coriander, finely chopped
  2 onions, diced
  2 large potatoes, diced
  3 cups water
  1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped
  1 tsp. cumin powder
  1 tsp. ground black pepper
  1 tsp. smoked paprika
  1 tsp. hot paprika
  4 garlic cloves, minced
  1 Tbsp. vinegar
  2 Tbsp. tomato paste

Directions:

1. 1. In a small bowl, combine the ground beef with half of the fresh coriander and half of the black pepper.
   2. Take teaspoons full of the meat mixture and roll it into small balls. Place aside on a tray or plate.
   3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet or large frying pan and fry the meat balls until cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
   4. Add the onions to the same pan and fry until golden brown.
   5. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, paprika and remaining black pepper to the pan and fry until aromatic.
   6. Add the meat, potatoes, tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, followed by the vinegar and water.
   7. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and allow the stew to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
   8. For best results, allow the stew to sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
   9. Reheat before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander.

Serves 8 people

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