I was in the mood for a little bit of “Hawaiian Style” comfort food this week so I dug out some recipes I had for local style beef stew.  What makes it “local style” is something I can’t exactly pinpoint, maybe its the addition of Hawaiian salt or the lack of noodles, but either way its a food that distinctly reminds me of home.  Although this recipe takes about 3 1/2 hours to cook, the bulk of the time is spent simmering on the stove with just a few minutes of actual work.  The end product is a dish with melt in your mouth meat and super tender vegetables- my favorite.

Rice bear and bunny molds… the result of wandering Japan alone

Author: Adaption of Tutus Hawaiian Beef Stew + Recipes from family & friends

Ingredients-

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
• 3 -4  strips of boneless short ribs (cut into about 2 inch pieces)
• 4 small cans tomato sauce
• 4 tomato-sauce-cans of water
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, pared and coarsely chopped
• 2-3 potatoes, pared and cut into 8 pieces
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• flour for dredging
• vegetable oil
• 2+ dashes tabasco
• Hawaiian sea salt and black pepper, to taste

1. In a large dutch oven or soup pot heat oil to medium-high.  Add garlic and fry until fragrant.
2. Coat beef with flour and lightly brown on all sides, then add onions and fry until translucent.
3. Add tomato sauce and heat to a slight boil, then add water and bring to a slight boil.
4. Season with Hawaiian salt and black pepper, then bring to a simmer for 2 hours or until meat is tender.
5. Add carrots and potatoes and continue to simmer for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender.
6. Add celery and tabasco and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. Add more Hawaiian salt, pepper, or tabasco to taste and serve over rice.

So, what are your favorite comfort food recipes?

xxLK