Beef and Potato Stew (Estamboli Polo) | Chopped

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons salt, for rice water