Ropa Vieja - edible Southeastern Massachusetts

Ingredients

• 2 – 3 pounds beef brisket or flank steak
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 – 3 dried red chiles or a teaspoon red pepper flakes
• a handful of celery, fennel, and or parsley tops
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper or 2 cubanelle peppers, chopped
• 1 – 3 hot green chiles, minced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 – 3 cups chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons sherry
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste