Carbonada Criolla (Stew with Meat, Vegetables, and Fruit)

                                                                          Argentina

Native Indians lived in Argentina many years before the European explorers arrived. Members of an Indian tribe in the northern part of Argentina were farmers who grew squash, melons, and sweet potatoes.
 Spanish settlers came to Argentina in 1536. Between 1880 and 1890, nearly one million immigrants came from Europe to live in Argentina. Most were from Italy and Spain. The Italians introduced pizza, as well as all kinds of pasta dishes, including spaghetti and lasagna. 
British, German, Jewish, and other immigrants also settled in Argentina, all bringing their styles of cooking and favorite foods with them. The British brought tea, starting the tradition of teatime. All of these cultures influenced the dishes of Argentina.

Carbonada Criolla (Stew with Meat, Vegetables, and Fruit)

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds of stewing beef, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 large tomatoes, chopped thick
• 1 green pepper, chopped thick
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 cups canned chicken stock
• 3 potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 3 sweet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 2 ears of corn, cut into 1-inch widths (or use 2 cups of frozen corn)
• 2 zucchini, diced into ½-inch pieces
• 2 peaches in ½-inch pieces
• 2 pears in ½-inch pieces

Procedure

1. Heat oil in heavy pot.
2. Brown beef in separate batches so that all of it gets cooked. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. In that same pot, cook tomatoes, pepper, onion, and garlic until soft.
4. Add bay leaves, oregano, and chicken stock, and bring to a boil.
5. Return beef to the pot, and add potatoes and sweet potatoes. Cover and simmer 15 minutes.
6. Stir in zucchini and corn. Simmer 10 more minutes, or until vegetables are almost soft, then add the peaches and pears.
7. Cook 5 more minutes.
8. Serve hot

Thank you