Mtewem

Name: Mtewem
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp harissa paste; 1 can canned chickpeas, drained; 3 cups beef broth; 1/4 tsp caraway seeds; 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt

Slow-cooked meat ragout with chickpeas and warming spices. A deeply savory Tunisian stew that's tender, aromatic, and perfect served over couscous or bread.

75 minMediumServes 4420 cal/serving

TunisianDinnerStovetopStandard

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp harissa paste
1 can canned chickpeas, drained
3 cups beef broth
1/4 tsp caraway seeds
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2

Brown 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck in batches, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
3

In the same pot, cook 1/2 sliced onion until softened, about 4 minutes.
4

Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5

Stir in 1 tbsp harissa paste and cook for 1 minute.
6

Return beef to the pot. Add 1 can drained canned chickpeas, 3 cups beef broth, 1/4 tsp caraway seeds, 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt.
7

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender.
8

Internal temperature of beef should reach 160°F. Serve hot over couscous or with bread.

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Prints the ingredients and method only.

Questions

What should Mtewem look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 7: cook until beef is very tender. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

Can I skip the searing in Mtewem?

Step 2 reads: "Brown 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck in batches, about 5 minutes per batch." You can, but you give up flavor. The browning in step 2 builds the savory base the rest of the dish is seasoned against. Give the pieces room so the pan stays hot.

Is there a substitute for harissa in Mtewem?

The entry for Mtewem calls for 1 tbsp harissa paste. In its place: Mix a chili paste such as sambal oelek or sriracha with a pinch each of ground cumin, coriander and caraway, plus a little olive oil.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned in Mtewem?

Yes. One 15-ounce can is about one and a half cups of cooked beans, which comes from a generous half cup dried. Soak them overnight and simmer until tender before you start the recipe. As written, the entry for Mtewem uses 1 can canned chickpeas, drained.

How hot is Mtewem?

Moderately. The heat in Mtewem comes from 1 tbsp harissa paste. For a milder plate, start with half the harissa and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

How many calories are in Mtewem?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 420 calories, with 36 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 16 g fat, plus 6 g fiber and 680 mg sodium.

Serve it with

Omek Houria side
Slata Mechouia salad
Zlabya dessert

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