Step 1: Wash the beef chunks with lime, rinse, and pat dry. In a large bowl, season the beef with all the marinade ingredients. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it caramelize until golden brown. Add the marinated beef chunks to the pot and sear on all sides until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Pour 2 cups of water into the pot (using the same bowl the beef was marinated in to scrape up extra seasoning). Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cover and let the beef cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: After the beef has cooked for a bit, stir in the tomato paste until fully combined. Then, add the sliced onions, peppers, carrots, petite potatoes, and fresh cilantro. Stir well, cover, and lower the heat to medium-low. Let the stew simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve hot with white rice, sweet plantains, and avocado slices.
