Portuguese Stew Beef (Carne Guizada)

This is a classic Portuguese meal and we make it fairly often with chicken (Portuguese Stewed Chicken). Like so many Portuguese meals, it is even better on day 2. The first rule of Portuguese cooking also applies: don't measure the ingredients--just put in what looks good. --Mark

Ingredients:

Stew beef (or roast cut in pieces)
Onions
Crushed red pepper
Crushed garlic
Salt
1 small can tomato sauce
Red cooking wine
2 T olive oil
Potatoes
Portuguese sausage (chouriço) (optional)

Instructions:

Sauté onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper in oil. Add cooking wine and simmer for a few minutes. Add meat. Cover meat with tomato sauce and mix well. Add enough water to cover the meat, cover, and simmer on low-medium heat. Continue adding water as needed. When meat is almost done, add bite-sized potatoes and chouriço. Add water enough to cover the potatoes. Cook until done.

Notes:

Using plenty of garlic and onion is key to a great flavor so experiment with this. Test frequently and add salt as necessary. If you are using some sort of sausage then you will want to use a little less salt. Be sure to enjoy this with a great bread. If you can get Portuguese rolls they are the best, but a crusty Italian or French bread is good, too.