Zilzil Alecha

Ingredients

• 3 medium green bell pepper
• 4 tsp chiles serranos, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1½ tbsp ginger, fresh, finely chopped
• ½ tbsp turmeric
• ½ tsp cardamom, ground
• 2 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• ¼ cup wine, dry, red or white
• ½ cup butter or niter kebbeh
• 2 lb sirloin, boneless
• 2 cups onion, finely chopped

Procedures

1. Coarsely chop *two* of the bell peppers.
2. Combine these with the next eight ingredients (chiles through wine) in a blender.
3. Process until the mixture is a smooth puree.
4. Cut the remaining bell pepper into 2" x ½" strips.
5. Set aside.
6. Trim meat of al fat and slice ½" thick.
7. Cut slices into strips 2" long by ¼" wide.
8. Heat ½ cup butter or niter kebbeh in a heavy 10" to 12" skillet, until a drop of water dances.
9. Brown meat in the skillet, a little at a time and turning often, until the meat is browned evenly without burning.
10. Transfer meat to a plate as it is browned.
11. When all meat is browned, pour remaining fat into a measuring cup.
12. Add enough additional butter, or niter kebbeh, to measure ½ cup.
13. Set aside.
14. Wash and dry the skillet.
15. Add the onions and cook them over low heat until soft and dry, about five minutes.
16. Stir the onions continuously to keep them from burning.
17. Pour in the ½ cup cooking fat.
18. When it begins to sputter add the green pepper strips.
19. Cook two to three minutes, stirring continuously, until the pepper strips are soft.
20. Add the pureed green pepper mixture.
21. While stirring, heat to a boil.
22. Add beef strips and any liquid accumulated on the plate to the skillet.
23. Stir into the sauce to coat meat evenly.
24. Reduce the heat, partially cover, and simmer until the meat is cooked to taste.