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T’fina Pkaila (Instant Pot)

Tfina pkaila is a traditional Jewish Tunisian dish served during Rosh Hashanah. The dish consists of stewed spinach with white beans and beef. I used my Instant Pot in preparation to speed up the cooking process; taking about an hour to make as opposed to 3+ hours it would take if using your stove top. The pkaila is always served over couscous with crusty Italian bread.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tunisian
Keyword: Beef, main course, north african, Tunisian
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • instant pot

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dry white beans soaked overnight
  • 1 lb fresh spinach
  • olive oil
  • 1/2 large onion diced
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 lb beef shank meat cubed
  • 1/2 tbsp harissa
  • 1/2 bunch mint chopped
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 bunch parsley chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat up the olive oil in you instant pot on the sauté function over medium heat. Add in the spinach.
    Tunisian, main course, beef
  • Allow the spinach to cook down and release it’s liquid until it evaporates. Remove the spinach from the pot.
    Tunisian, main course, beef
  • Turn the function to high heat. Add in the onion, garlic, beef shank, and harissa. Brown for 5 minutes.
    Tunisian, main course, beef
  • Drain the beans and add into the pot. Stir in the spinach.
    Tunisian, main course, beef
  • Turn the function to pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. Put on the cover and push start.
    Tunisian, main course, beef
  • Release the pressure. Turn the function back to sauté on high. Add in the chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 more minutes until thickened.
    Tunisian, main course, beef