Carne Guisado

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound stew beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste, optional
• 10 1/2 ounces condensed beef broth, undiluted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 or 2 small jalapeno or serrano chili peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in a small amount of cold water

PREPARATION:

1. Brown meat in oil on all sides. Pour off excess grease. Add tomato paste, beef broth, salt and pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, chili peppers, and water. Transfer to the slow cooker insert.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 12 hours, or until meat is very tender.
3. Turn to high and dissolve about 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in small amount of cold water and slowly pour into stew, which is simmering, until the liquids are thickened.
4. Serve with rice and warm tortillas, along with refried beans and garnishes.
5. Serves 4.