Macedonian Saice with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring well to combine. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
3. 3.
   Season the meat with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the paprika, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric over the meat. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in enough water to cover the meat, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the honey and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Saice hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or lamb — For the best results, choose lean cuts of meat and trim any excess fat before cooking.
• Tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Spices — Toasting the spices briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the dish will intensify their aroma and flavor.
• Honey — Use a good quality honey to add a subtle sweetness to the Saice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the Saice.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the dish during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Saice in individual bowls, accompanied by a generous portion of rice or crusty bread. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, consider serving the Saice in a shallow clay pot or a colorful ceramic dish. The vibrant red sauce against the rustic backdrop will create an enticing visual appeal.