Beef Azu

Finely dice the meat and sear it in a pan. Season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Add the tomato paste and sauté for another 5 minutes.

Pour in the broth and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Finely chop the onion and sauté until translucent.

Slice the pickles, add them to the broth, and let them gently simmer for 5 minutes. Warm the pickle brine separately.

Cut the potatoes into pieces and fry until golden.

Combine the meat, potatoes, and onions. Braise for 10 minutes. Then add the prepared cucumbers.

To make the gravy, whisk together the browned flour and broth until smooth.

Add the sauce, tomatoes, and remaining broth to the azu. Bring to a boil. Toss in the bay leaf and pour in the warm brine as it simmers.

Stir in the minced garlic and discard the bay leaf.