2 lb ground beef (patinho)

3 large onions -- chopped

4 cloves garlic -- minced

1 can beer

6 ripe tomatoes, peeled,seeded and -- chopped OR

1 can tomatoes

2 tablespoons ground cumin

2 tablespoons dried oregano

4 chili peppers -- chopped

1 tablespoon dried chili

1 pinch cayenne pepper -- or to taste

2 bell peppers seeded and -- chopped

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons corn flour

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon thyme

salt and freshly ground pepper -- to taste 1/2 lb kidney beans cooked with 2 Tbs brown sugar --

(optional)

1. Brown beef in 2 Tbs of the hot oils ( canola and olive), it will release liquid before it browns.( this should take about half an hour) Set aside 2. In another pan cook onions in 2 tbs of the oil until it starts to change color. Stir in bell pepper and cook until soft. 3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. 4. Stir in cumin, oregano, peppers, chilis and thyme. Cook 1 minute. 5. Stir in browned beef,season with salt and pepper 6, Pour beer and cook until foam disappears 7. Stir in tomatoes and sugar and bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. 8. Sprinkle the corn meal and stir well. Cover pan and simmer 2 hours. Stir a few times. 9. Add beans and some of the liquid they were cooked in. Cook 10 minutes. 10 Check seasonings. Serve topped with chopped green onions .