Puerto Rican Beef Stew

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 pounds beef top round, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup tomato sauce
3 bay leaves
Salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste
1/2 pound carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup pimento stuffed olives
1/4 cup (60 ml) raisins

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy pot over moderate heat and brown the meat. Add the peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, vinegar, oregano, tomato sauce, bay leaves, salt and pepper and simmer covered for 1 hour.

Add the carrots and potatoes and simmer 1 hour, or until the meat is tender. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer an additional 15 minutes.

Serves 6 to 8.