Moroccan Beef Tagine with Green Olives

A spicy recipe for Moroccan Beef Tagine with Green Olives that's as warm and comforting as it is healthy. The conical shape of the lid allows the steam that is produced by cooking to re-condenses as it hits the cool sides of the lid and, instead of evaporating, flows back down to the food keeping it moist.

Ingredients - Moroccan Beef Tagine with Green Olives:

1 1/2 pounds stewing beef, cut in 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground cayenne chile
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato puree
4 shallots, quartered
1 large potato, cubed
2 large carrots, diced
1 can chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
Salt
1/2 cup pitted green olives

Preparation - Moroccan Beef Tagine with Green Olives:

1. Mix the paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic in two tablespoons of the olive oil and tomato in a large bowl. Add the beef and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Heat the remaining oil in the bottom of the tagine or skillet and fry the shallots, potaotes, and carrots until they begin to color. Remove.

3. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Return the vegetables to the tagine along with the chopped tomatoes and any remaining marinade. Cover and cook over a low heat for 3 to 4 hours or until the beef is tender.

4. Add the parsley, season with salt, and stir in the olives. Continue cooking for 15 minutes.

5. Serve this tagine with plain couscous.