Manzo alla California

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into thin strips 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef strips to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
7. 7.
   Once the beef is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Serve the Manzo alla California over creamy polenta or with crusty bread. Top with sliced avocado for a fresh and creamy finish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef such as sirloin or tenderloin. Slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Avocado — To prevent the avocado from browning, slice it just before serving and drizzle with a little lemon or lime juice.
• Bell peppers — For a slightly smoky flavor, you can roast the bell peppers before adding them to the dish. Simply place them under the broiler until the skin is charred, then peel off the skin and slice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut beef strips from your local butcher or grocery store.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Manzo alla California hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness. Accompany it with a side of creamy polenta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the sliced avocado on top of the beef and garnish with a sprinkle of dried oregano. Serve the dish on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and tomatoes to shine through.