Karni Stoba (Beef Stew with Green Papaya)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stewing beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
• pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 large tomato, roughly chopped
• Hot water to cover
• 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb green papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

Directions:

1. Season the meat pieces with the nutmeg, cumin and salt and pepper. Add the soy sauce.
2. Heat the oil over a hot flame and brown the meat on all sides. Add the onion, pepper, garlic and tomato. Add enough hot water to cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for an hour or so, or until the meat is tender and the sauce is thick.
3. Meanwhile, boil the potato until just fork-tender. Drain and set aside. Steam the papaya pieces for about 15 minutes, or until soft (I just used my electric steamer).
4. When the meat is ready, add the potato, papaya and the tomato paste. Cook for another five or 10 minutes or until heated through. Serve over steamed white rice.