Instructions: Brown the beef in a skillet in a small quantity of oil. Place browned beef

*and its juices* in a stewpot. Add more oil (if necessary) to the skillet; saute onions until tender and translucent. Add onions to stewpot. Add raisins and spices to the meat mixture, along with a small quantity of water (approximately 1/2 cup). There should be just enough water to prevent scorching and to help form the gravy.

Bring stew to a boil and reduce immediately to a simmer. Simmer, covered, until meat is tender (about 1-1/2 to 2 hours). Stir occasionally. Add water as necessary. When beef is cooked, add vinegar and salt. Cook a few minutes more.

translation of a medieval Italian cookbook. The recipe is called "Pie in a Pipkin" which means (crustless) meat pie in a stewpot. It has a nice thick gravy and a sweet/tart flavor."

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