Roasted Bell Pepper and Beef Stew with Penne

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chuck roast or rump roast cut into cube-like shape
• 1 large onion (half chopped half sliced)
• 2 red bell peppers, cut in half
• 3 roma tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 sprigs oregano, diced and stemmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 10 oz can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons cherry wine
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lb. bag of penne noodles
• salt and pepper
• basil and fresh grated parmesane for garnish

Cooking

1. cut up the meat and season with salt and pepper and let sit in the fridge for an hour. cut bell pepper and place in an oiled baking dish or cast iron pan. place in oven at 350F for 10 - 15 minutes or until the pepper starts to lightly char. after pepper has cooled (let sit for about 5 minutes) place in a blender or food processor. combine with the olive oil and blend to a paste.
2. in a large saute pan or dutch oven or even a cast iron pan, add in the vegetable oil and the meat and salt and pepper and brown meat on each side. remove from pan and place on a plate and set aside. add in the chopped onion and the garlic and saute for about 3 minutes. add in the butter, flour and wine and cook for another 3 - 4 minutes.
3. add in the tomato, sliced onion, pepper paste and stir and mix well. add in the cumin and return the meat and cook for another 5 minutes while stirring from time to time. add in the tomato sauce and stock and stir and mix well and bring to a slight boil. add in the tomato paste and stir well. add in the oregano and stir well. turn heat down to low and simmer, covered, for 30 to 35 minutes.
4. in another large pot, add in hot water and bring to a boil and add some salt. add in the noodles and boil for 2 - 5 minutes (depending on instructions. mine were rice noodles so just 2 minute boil. 2 minute soak and drain) drain noodles.
5. add noodles to a bowl and spoon the stew mixture over noodles. grate fresh parmesan over and chiffonade the basil and garnish plate. can also just place some noodles on a plate along side the stew. caesar salad and garlic bread also goes good with this.

bon appetit