Nigerian Beef-Spinach Stew

Ingredients

 * 1/4 c. oil
 * 2 lbs. cubed stewing beef
 * 12 oz. ginger ale
 * Crushed red pepper
 * Black pepper
 * Salt
 * 1 tomato, chopped
 * 10 oz. fresh (or frozen) spinach
 * 4 med. onions
 * 2 whole tomatoes
 * 2 tsp. cornstarch

Directions

 * 1) Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy saucepan.
 * 2) Brown the beef, adding oil as needed.
 * 3) Add gingerale, red and black pepper, and salt to taste.
 * 4) Add chopped tomato; cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
 * 5) Meanwhile, wash the spinach and remove stems.
 * 6) Tear leaves into small pieces.
 * 7) Slice the onion thinly and separate into rings.
 * 8) Slice the tomatoes.
 * 9) Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water.
 * 10) Stir into the stew and cook 1 minute until slightly thickened.
 * 11) Add onion rings, tomato, spinach.
 * 12) Simmer until vegetables are tender.
 * 13) Serve with rice or noodles.