Almond Beef Gaucho

"G" is for Gaucho!  I am posting this on Alphabe-Thursday at this link:

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2010/03/alphabe-thursday-g.html?

I am also posting on Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.

I found this recipe years ago in a Blue Diamond Almond recipe book:  Classic Almond Recipes.  This is a recipe inspired by the cuisine of South American.  I have made this for years and just made this the other night and wondered why I don't make it more often?  The sour/salty olives and the sweet raisins provide an amazing contrast.  With the addition of the spicy citrus sauce and the crunchy almonds it can't be beat!  Even though it has a lot of ingredients, it it easy to make.  Served over rice, this makes an excellent meal.  My family loves it!

Recipe:

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 cloves garlic, chopped finely

1-1/2 teaspoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

3/4 cup blanched, slivered almonds

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup diced red onion

1-1/2 pounds round steak, sliced thinly into 3 x 1/2-inch strips

1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives

1/2 cup raisins, soaked in boiling water for 20 minutes and drained

Lime wedges for garnish

Combine first 10 ingredients, reserve.  Saute almonds in oil until golden.  Add onion and saute over medium heat until just tender, about five minutes.  Add steak and saute until brown, one to two minutes, or more if necessary.   Add orange juice/spice mixture, simmer until thickened, about one minute.  Stir in olives and raisins.  Garnish with lime wedges.  Serves four to five.