Heat little oil in a skillet and stir fry the beef for 10mins in high flame. Add salt and soy sauce. (Do not add water) Tips: make sure all the beef chunks get enough room to get really brown, flavour comes from a good sear.
In another pan fry the potatoes and other vegetables (except bell pepper and shallots). Add all the spices. Stir fry it for 5mins, toss the beef, ass 5 cups of water (enough to cover all the meat, add more if you like your stew soupy) close the lid and cook it in medium high flame for 60 minutes.
Add the shallots and bell pepper with about 10 minutes in cooking time left so that they don't get mushy.
Serve hot with your favorite salad and bread . I love eating my beef stew with salad and fresh fenugreek leaves, basil and carrots.
