Carne guisada (beef stewed)

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 lbs. beef round cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- 1 onion / grated
- 1 green bell pepper / chopped
- 2 garlic cloves / crushed
- 1 tbs. fresh oregano leaves / chopped fine
- 1 tbs. fresh cilantro leaves / chopped fine
- 1 tbs. fresh parsley leaves / chopped fine
- 1 carrot / peeled and sliced
- 1 rib celery / sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbs. tomato paste
- 1 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 tbs. vegetable oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- about 1 cup of water

PREPARATION:

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- dissolve the beef bouillon cube (Maggi) in about 3 tbs of hot water
- dissolve the tomato paste in about 1/2 cup of hot water
- marinate the beef cubes for at least 3 hours in the following:
.....garlic, grated onion, oregano, cilantro, parsley, dissolved beef cube and tomato paste.
- remove beef pieces, save marinade for later use
- heat oil to high temperature (around 425 degrees F) and brown beef cubes on all sides
- reduce oil temperature to medium and add the carrot, celery, bay leaf and green bell pepper and cook for about 3 minutes.
- add the reserved marinade.
- cover and simmer for 20 minutes..stir frequently
- Add the rest of the water and taste for salt and pepper and adjust if needed.
- Continue to simmer for 30 minutes longer. (beef cubes should be very tender)
- serve it hot with white rice