Country Ham Stew with Sweet Peppers and Cilantro

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons curry powder (to taste)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup seeded and chopped ripe tomatoes or drained, canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup red or yellow sweet peppers or a combination, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon seeded, minced jalapeno or serrano chile (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons golden raisins
• 1 1/2 pounds country ham, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 bottle of pale beer
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt
• Freshly-ground black pepper
• 3 cups hot, cooked rice, made from 1 cup long grain rice

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the curry in a large, heavy skillet over moderate heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft, but not brown. Add tomatoes and cook for a minute or two. Stir in the sweet peppers, chile and raisins. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add remaining olive oil to a separate skillet and heat over moderate heat. Add ham and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to lightly brown. Add beer; cover and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Add the ham and liquid to the vegetables and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes more.
4. Uncover, stir in cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Serve accompanied by hot rice.