N'Dizi ya na Nyama

Ingredients

• 1¼ to 1½ cups water
• 3 pounds lean beef tips, cut into small cubes
• ½ teaspoon crumbled dried thyme
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 4 large green plantains, peeled and cubed
• 10 ounces freshly shelled green peas
• 1 pint coconut milk

Directions

1. Place water in large pot and add beef.
2. Bring to boil and add thyme, salt and pepper.
3. Cover and reduce to simmer then cook until beef is tender, 30 to 45 minutes, set pot aside.
4. In heavy skillet, add oil and heat.
5. When oil is hot, but not smoking, add garlic, onions and tomatoes and cook until onions are translucent.
6. Add beef to vegetables and reduce heat; cook slowly about 10 minutes.
7. Add plantains, peas and coconut milk and continue to simmer over low heat 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Adjust seasonings to taste and cook another 10 to 15 minutes.