The most colorful of pot dishes: A recipe for meaty peas to dip bread in...

This recipe offers a comforting and classic Turkish home-cooked meal: a hearty meat and pea stew. Known for its rich flavors and straightforward preparation, this dish is a reliable solution for weeknight dinners. The recipe calls for tender cubes of beef simmered with diced carrots, potatoes, and peas, all brought together in a savory tomato-based sauce. Key ingredients include 500 grams of fresh or frozen peas, 300 grams of diced beef, one large onion, two medium potatoes, and one large carrot, all chopped to a similar size as the peas. A tablespoon of tomato paste and half a tablespoon of pepper paste form the flavor base, enhanced by three tablespoons of liquid oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The preparation begins by browning the beef in oil until it releases and reabsorbs its juices. Then, chopped onions are added and sautéed until softened. Carrots are introduced next, followed by the tomato and pepper pastes, which are cooked until fragrant. Potatoes and peas are then gently stirred into the mixture. Hot water is added to cover the ingredients by about three fingers' width, and the stew is brought to a boil. It then simmers on low heat for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the carrots and peas are completely tender. Salt is added in the final 10 minutes of cooking. The dish is best served hot, ideally accompanied by rice pilaf.