Instructions
Begin by combining the beef chunks with crushed peppercorns, savory soy sauce, tangy white wine vinegar, aromatic dried bay leaves, fresh lemon juice, and rich tomato sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the meat is evenly coated, then cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the beef. Transfer the marinated beef along with its marinade into a cooking pot. Add water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. Sprinkle in a Knorr Beef Cube for enhanced depth of flavor, stirring to dissolve. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the beef simmer gently for about 40 minutes, which will soften the meat. After 40 minutes, turn the beef pieces over to cook evenly. Stir in the tomato paste, which will thicken the stew and add a rich, tangy undertone. Continue simmering on low heat until the beef becomes tender and succulent. Once done, set the pot aside. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the potato slices until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, flipping carefully to brown both sides evenly. Remove them and place on a clean plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Follow the same process with sliced carrots, ensuring both vegetables are golden and crispy. Reserve about three tablespoons of the flavorful cooking oil left in the pan. Use this to sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions soften and turn translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. Pour in some of the flavorful sauce from the beef stew into the pan; let it come to a gentle boil. Add the beef pieces back into this sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Finally, stir in butter and let it melt into the mixture, which will add a smooth, silky finish to the sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce reduces by half, intensifying the flavors and thickening to a luscious consistency. Serve hot, garnished with the crispy fried potatoes and carrots for a delightful meal.