Sofrito (Spiced Beef and Vegetable Stew)

Ingredients

* 1 tb Corn oil
* 1 lg ( 2 cups) onion , chopped
* 2 lb Boneless beef chuck steak and shoulder meat , cut into 1-inch cubes
* 4 c Water, boiling
* 1/8 ts Ground allspice
* 2 Cloves garlic; put through press
* 1/4 ts Pepper
* 2 ts Wine vinegar
* 1 lg Carrot , sliced
* 4 md (1 lb) potatoes, peeled, cubed
* 1 lb Green beans, halved
* 1 ts Salt, or to taste
* 4 Pods cardamon (habahan)

Directions

1. In a large pan, heat oil. Add onion and beef and stir-fry over
moderate heat for 2 minutes until they change color.
2. Add water, allspice, garlic, pepper, and vinegar and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 hour, or until beef is tender.
3. Add carrot, potatoes, beans, salt, and cardamon. Simmer stew over low
heat for 1/2 hour longer. There will be a generous amount of sauce for
stew. Serve warm with rice and other dishes.