Mediterranean Beef Stew With Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Basil - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs lean stewing beef, such as bottom round, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3/4 cup dry vermouth
1 (28 ounce) can peeled Italian tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juices reserved
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup quartered and pitted kalamata olive
1/3 cup sun-dried tomato, strips drained
1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaf, shredded

Preparation

Pat the meat dry. In a large flameproof casserole, heat the olive oil over moderately high heat. Add the meat in 2 batches and cook, turning, until nicely browned, about 5 minutes per batch. As the meat is cooked, remove it to a plate.
Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and beginning to brown around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour int he vermouth and boil until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the chopped tomatoes with their juices, the vinegar, black pepper, hot pepper, and 1-1/2 cups water.
Add the meat to the sauce, along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer 1-1/4 hours. Add the olives and simmer 20 to 30 minutes longer, or until the meat is tender.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes. (The stew can be made to this point up to 2 days in advance.) Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil.