Instant Pot Colombian-Inspired Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• Beef: 2 kg stewing beef, cut into cubes

• Olive Oil: 4 tbsp

• Onion: 2 large onions, chopped

• Garlic: 8 cloves, minced

• Canned Tomatoes: 1 cup (240ml) of canned tomatoes, drained if they are diced in juice.

• Red Bell Pepper: 2, diced

• Carrots: 4 large, diced

• Potatoes: 4 large, cut into cubes

• Cilantro: 1/2 cup chopped

• Ground Cumin: 2 tsp

• Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika): 2 tsp

• Salt and Pepper: to taste

• Beef Broth: 4 cups

• Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp

Instructions:

• Season the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. With the increased amount of beef, ensure all pieces are evenly coated.

• Sauté the Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add the olive oil, followed by the onions and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the canned tomatoes and diced red bell peppers, sautéing for another 3-4 minutes. If your canned tomatoes are whole, crush or chop them before adding.

• Brown the Beef: Incorporate the seasoned beef into the pot. You might need to do this in batches due to the increased amount to ensure even browning. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned on all sides.

• Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, making sure the tomato paste is fully dissolved and distributed.

• Cook the Stew: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to 'Manual' mode (or 'Pressure Cook' mode, depending on your model) on high pressure for 35 minutes. 

• Natural Release: After the cooking time has ended, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually before opening the lid. This ensures that the meat remains tender.

• Final Touches: Stir in the chopped cilantro for fresh flavor. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

• Serve: Enjoy your stew hot, ideally with a side of rice or your favorite bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Shopping list

• Olive oil (might need 4 tbsp)

• 2 large onions

• 8 cloves of garlic (or equivalent pre-minced garlic)

• 1 cup (about 240ml) canned tomatoes (diced or whole, depending on preference)

• 2 red bell peppers

• 4 large carrots

• 4 large potatoes

• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (fresh if available)

• Ground cumin

• Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• Salt and pepper

• Beef broth (4 cups or equivalent in cubes/powder + water)

• Tomato paste