Stifado

Ingredients

1/4 c olive oil
1/2 tb thyme
1 1/2 lb beef chuck
1/2 tb rosemary
2 1/2 tb oregano
2 tb all purpose flour
1 bay leaf
1 ts cumin
2 c dry wine
1 lb tomatoes
1/2 lb feta cheese
3 garlic

Instructions

freshly ground pepper * 1 teaspoon dried herbs may be used instead of fresh. Preheat over to 350 F. Heat oil in heavy 4to 5-quart Dutch oven over medium high heat. Toss beef with flour in large bowl. Add beef to pan in batches and cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to bowl. Add onions to pan and cook until light brown, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, herbs and cumin to pan. Stir in wine and bring to a boil. Cover and bake in oven until beef is tender, about 2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm to 350 F oven before continuing.) Stir feta into stew. Return to oven and continue baking until cheese is heated through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve.