Katův šleh

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1
  First, cut the meat into half-centimeter thick slices, then into strips or other shapes, but always of similar size. Mix the cut meat with salt.
• 2
  Heat a large stainless steel pan or pot over a relatively high flame, pour in the oil, and immediately add the meat. Sauté vigorously, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns a beautiful golden color on all sides. It's possible that liquid will be released from the meat initially, preventing browning; you need to persevere, continue heating the pot or pan, and wait until the liquid completely evaporates, leaving only the original fat. Only then will it be possible to thoroughly brown the meat.
• 3
  While the meat is browning, peel the onion, cut it in half, and slice it into transverse half-rings. Peel the bell peppers with a peeler (only where you can reach, you don't need to strive for perfection here), then remove the core and internal ribs. Subsequently, cut the bell peppers into several pieces and then further slice them into centimeter-wide strips. Peel the cucumbers with a peeler and slice them into thin, diagonal pieces.
• 4
  Add the onion to the browned meat and sauté for about two more minutes until the onion also turns golden. If anything starts to stick too much in the pan in the meantime, just add two tablespoons of water; the stuck bits will dissolve immediately, the bottom of the pan will clean, and burning will be prevented. (Two tablespoons of water are not the same as half a glass, keep that in mind. Too much water will stop the browning.)
• 5
  In the next step, add the sliced bell pepper to the pan and quickly stir for about half a minute. Sprinkle with sugar, pour in the vinegar, and let it evaporate until no trace of liquid remains. Only then add the cucumbers, canned tomatoes, hot peppers or chili, stir one last time, reduce the heat to a minimum, cover with a lid, and let it simmer slowly for at least 30 minutes until the meat softens. In the meantime, you will surely have time to prepare a side dish, such as potato pancakes, American potatoes, roasted potatoes, fries, bread, or steamed rice.
• 6
  Once the meat is tender, taste the dish to see if it needs more salt. Serve as a reward or a punishment, as you prefer.