Puerto Rican Beef Stew (Carne Guisada Puertoriquena)

Recipe Instructions I love Puerto Rican Food! It's usually simple, yet rich with lots of cilantro and garlic!!. Enclosed are examples of 4 dishes that can be simplified to taste. I always add mucho mas cilantro, peppers and garlic with fresh ingredients (I never used canned foods). I prefer to also add a pinch of red chili powder just to make it interesting (not a traditional ingredient in Puerto Rican food). In a large heavy kettle, brown meat in oil. Add green pepper, sweet chili, onions, cloves, cilantro, vinegar (or lime juice), oregano, tomato sauce, bay leaves, and salt. Mix and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 1 hour. Add carrots to kettle. Drain liquid from peas into kettle and mix (reserve peas) Bring rapidly to a boil, reduce to low, cover and cook about 1 hr until meat is almost fork-tender. . Add potatoes, olives, capers, raisins, and 1/2 tsp salt, bring rapidly to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and cook about 1 hour, or until meat is fork-tender and vegetables are done. Add reserved peas and mix. Taste and adjust seasoning (uncover, and boil to thicken sauce to taste).