Levantine Beef with Cherries

Experience the irresistible fusion of savory and sweet with Levantine Beef with Cherries, a dish that brings the rich flavors of the Middle East to your table. Tender beef cubes are slow-simmered in a fragrant spice blend of cinnamon, allspice, and coriander, creating a warm and aromatic base. Sweet, juicy cherries, pomegranate molasses, and a touch of honey brighten the sauce with tangy sweetness, perfectly balanced by a splash of fresh lemon juice. This stunning dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for vibrant color and served alongside basmati rice, couscous, or flatbread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. Combining bold spices, tender meat, and fruity accents, this comforting and elegant recipe is a must-try for lovers of global cuisine and comforting stews.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground allspice
• 0.5 tsp ground coriander
• 300 g sweet cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen)
• 250 ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the beef cubes with half of the salt and black pepper, then sear them in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and golden.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon, allspice, and coriander. Cook for another 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 5

Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the beef stock and bring to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

After 60 minutes, stir in the cherries, pomegranate molasses, honey, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with the remaining salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 8

Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 9

Remove from heat and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot alongside steamed basmati rice, couscous, or flatbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1334.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2079.2

Total Fat 129.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 3641.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 135.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.7g	0%
Total Sugars 110.9g
Protein 104.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 227.7mg	0%
Iron 16.5mg	0%
Potassium 2565.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.9%

Protein: 19.6%

Carbs: 25.5%