Ajvar-Simmered Sliced Beef and Zucchini

2/3# thin sliced beef

2T EVOO
2T aged dark balsamic vinegar
1/2 lg. purple onion - chopped
2 lg. stalks celery - sliced
2 med. zucchini - cubed

Heat the oil, add a small amount of the onion that's been more finely chopped, with the beef. Stir fry this for a couple minutes over medium heat. Add the vinegar and keep cooking and stirring until the beef browns and begins to stick to the pot.

Using 1c of beef or vegetable broth, a little at a time, deglaze the pan.  Let it brown again, and repeat the process several times. Add the rest of the vegetables, 1/2c of Ajvar sauce. Stir, cover and simmer on low 30 minutes. Stir well, check the flavors and add anything needed. I did not add any of the salt shown. Good browning and deglazing often eliminates the need for that! Simmer on low heat another 20 minutes.

At this point it seemed the flavor needed a bit of a boost but I couldn't place just what would do it. Then I realized it needed something warm, sweet and savory. I added 1t pumpkin pie spice (!) and it was perfect!

This turned out so well. The meat was tender and full of flavor, and the vegetables were just right. Don't be afraid to try mixing sweet and savory. Sometimes that crossover is just what's needed! . .Lin