BEEF STEW WITH SMOKED EGGPLANT CREAM

For the stew
700g beef for stew
2 onions
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon tomato paste
400 g concasse tomatoes
1 teaspoon of sugar
500 ml beef stock
1 cinnamon stick
4 berries of allspice
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon of fresh thyme
40 ml of extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper
Salt

For smoked eggplant cream
3 eggplants (400 g eggplant puree)
30 g flour
50 g butter
350 ml. lukewarm milk
Nutmeg
Salt

For the smoked eggplant cream:

Pierce the eggplants with a fork and char them on an open fire or on the grill until soft. When ready, put them in a strainer and leave them until you prepare the bechamel.

In a heated saucepan, add the butter and once melted, add the flour by stirring constantly, until it gets a light brown color. Then add the milk and reduce the heat, while stirring until it thickens. At the same time, peel the eggplants, mush them with a fork and add them into the bechamel. Finally, add pepper, nutmeg and salt. Stir for about 2 minutes and remove from heat.

For the stew:

Chop the onions and garlic. In a large, deep frying pan, sautée the meat in olive oil, a few pieces at a time, to keep the oil temperature high. Once it is evenly browned add the onions and garlic.

Add the spices, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper and finally the tomatoes. Simmer for about 1 hour or until the meat has softened and the sauce has thickened.

Serve by placing the eggplant cream topped with the beef stew and the luscious sauce.

Recipe Notes:

- Beware, do not burn eggplants because they will acquire a strong, heavy taste
- We can use cream instead of milk for a richer taste
- Adjust the spices and their quantities according to your preference

Eva Monochari

Food Blogger