1 lb. ground beef (the leaner, the better)
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
1 med. green pepper, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
2 tsp. oregano
1/8 tsp. cumin
2 bay leaves
3 tbsp. dry wine
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 oz. box raisins (optional)
3 tbsp. green olives, sliced (optional)

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic until golden brown. Add onion and green pepper until softened. Add tomato sauce, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, wine, salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Add beef and mix well, breaking up any clumps in the meat. Let simmer for 25-30 minutes. Add olives and raisins, if desired. Simmer for 5 minutes more. Serves 6. Serve with white rice.