2 1/4 lb. beef for stew, cut in 1-inch cubes
2 very large onions, finely chopped
2 large carrots, cut in 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups celery, finely chopped
2 cups Coca-Cola (or any other dark cola soft drink)
1 cup red wine*
1-2 cups beef broth (could be from bouillon cubes)
1 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. all-purpose seasoning mix
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. black pepper grains
2 tsp. marjoram flakes (optional)
3 bay leaves
1 1/2 tsp. salt
oil, for frying (olive oil recommended)

Begin by mixing the beef cubes with the seasoning mix, following with the flour. Heat frying oil in the Dutch oven and stir fry the meat until well browned outside but still red inside. Add all other ingredients into the Dutch oven - be sure to completely cover the meat with liquid.

Place the lid on the Dutch oven and cook for at least 1/2 hour after it starts boiling, or until most of the liquids evaporated to a thick sauce. Check the meat to ensure that it is quite soft, otherwise continue cooking. Add salt to taste.

A strong red wine should be the best to drink with this dish. Among them, a good St. Emilion or a Chianti. Do not bother at trying to cook it with the same wine served at the table!! It should be just a waste of a good wine and money.

Note: For cooking use just an inexpensive red wine.

Submitted by: Luis De Santis T. - Venezuela