Goan Beef stew - microwave version.

Although I was surprised to find a mild stew in Goan cuisine, I was also happy because this recipe married two of my favourite foods - beef stew and pasta.  This dish is mildly flavored with cinnamon and clove but typically includes the Indian basics of ginger and garlic. This Goan stew is not only  perfect for children and fussy eaters, but I guarantee even the most discerning of foodies would love a bowl of this stew to bring comfort to the psyche especially on a cold and blistering winter's day.

I was told that this stew was served on special occasions and most notably at weddings. For me that special occasion was treating my eighteen month old grandchild to a bowl of his ancestral cuisine!!
My small critic gave it a "thumbs up" by opening his mouth faster than I could shovel spoonfuls of stew in.

Note: Elbow macaroni is traditionally used in this recipe but you can substitute ziti or a gluten-free pasta if you wish.

Ingredients

1/2 pound of beef cut in small  cubes
1 cup of cooked pasta (typically elbow macaroni, I used ziti ) - see notes below for microwave tips
1 cup of frozen or fresh mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, beans)
1 medium onion chopped
1 medium tomato chopped
2 teaspoons ginger/garlic paste (or 1 teaspoon each fresh chopped garlic and ginger)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
salt to taste

Method

Put the meat in a microwave safe dish.  Add salt, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and ginger/garlic paste. Stir well to mix and set aside.

While the meat is marinading, cook the pasta.  I did mine in the microwave.
Put the dry pasta in a microwave safe dish.  Cover with at least an inch of cold water. Add a teaspoon full salt and 1 teaspoon of oil. Stir.
Put the dish in the microwave for 5-8 minutes. Checking after 5 minutes onward to make sure the pasta is cooked and firm (not too soft)
Remove when done and drain.

Use this time to chop your onion and tomato as well, and keep your vegetables handy

Now take the dish with the meat and add the chopped onions and tomato. Stir to mix.

Put the meat in the microwave and cook on full power for about 5 - 8 minutes until the meat is no longer red and is cooked. 

Now add the mixed frozen vegetables (or fresh) and the cooked pasta. Give the dish a good stir and put it back in the microwave for about  5 minutes until the vegetables are cooked and the pasta is incorporated and heated through.

Remove and give the dish a good stir to mix.  Taste- check if more salt is needed. 
Leave the dish closed and let it sit for another 5 minutes so that some of the liquid is absorbed. 

Serve warm with crusty bread or just as it is.

Approximate Nutrition Facts

4 Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 242.9
Total Fat 5.5 g
Total Carbohydrate 24.2 g
Dietary Fiber 2.5 g
Protein 23.0 g