Tunisian-inspired Spezzatino

Ingredients

In this Tunisian-inspired version of Spezzatino, we incorporate the bold flavors of Tunisian cuisine. The addition of harissa, a spicy chili paste, gives the dish a fiery kick. Aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon are also added to enhance the flavor profile. These additions transform the traditional Italian Spezzatino into a vibrant and aromatic stew with a Tunisian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Spezzatino, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 500ml (2 cups) beef broth 500ml (2 cups) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the harissa paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground cinnamon. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Return the browned beef cubes to the pot and add the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Tunisian-inspired Spezzatino hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with couscous or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Harissa paste — Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, marinate the beef cubes in the harissa paste and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to the stew for added variety.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• Serve the Spezzatino with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top to balance the heat of the harissa.

Serving advice

Serve the Tunisian-inspired Spezzatino in deep bowls, accompanied by a generous portion of couscous or crusty bread. The stew is best enjoyed piping hot, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spezzatino with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic earthenware bowls to enhance the visual appeal and create an authentic Tunisian dining experience.