1. Wipe the meat and trim off any fat and gristle

2. Cut the meat into 1 and 1/2 inch cubes

3. Peel and thinly slice the onions

4. Melt the lard in a large frying pan

5. Fry the meat and onions over moderate heat until the onions are golden and the meat is sealed

6. Pour over the beef stock and season with salt and pepper and let it simmer

7. Blend the tomato puree, paprika, sugar and flour in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth

8. Stir in a few tablespoons of the hot stew liquid

9. Remove the pan with the meat and onions from the heat

10. Stir the meat mixture in the tomato puree mixture and blend it in thoroughly

11. Return the pan to the heat and let it simmer again

12. Cover and let the stew cook for about 2hours or until the meat is tender. stir occasionally

13. Just before serving, stir in the soured cream and adjust the seasoning if necessary

List of ingredients required:

(serves 4 people)

1 tin tomato puree
1 and 1/4 lb beef steak
1 lb onions
2 oz lard
Salt
1 and 1/2pint beef stock
2 and 1/2 oz soured cream
2 level teaspoons caster sugar
4 level teaspoons paprika
2 level dessertspoons plain flour