Recipe for Beef Stew in Pomegranate Sauce

Ingredients

• 5 pounds chuck or other stewing beef, cubed to 2"x2"x2"
• 1/2 cup olive oil for sauteing, divided
• 2 onions or 2 large leeks, sliced into Cs
• A handful of flour
• 3 cups dry red wine
• 1-1/2 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• Diced chili pepper to taste
• About 1 pint boiling water (see below)
• 3 large plums, not peeled but sliced into segments 1/4 inch thick