2 to 3 pounds beef tips or lean stew meat 
salt 
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 
1 1/2 cups water 
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste 
2 tablespoons lemon juice 
1 teaspoon sugar 
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, crumbled 
1 carrot, shredded 
1 large clove garlic, minced 
hot cooked rice 
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

Cut beef into 1-inch cubes then toss with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Brown beef in a large heavy skillet in the vegetable oil. In a mixing bowl, combine water, tomato paste, lemon juice, sugar, oregano, carrot and garlic. Pour tomato paste mixture over the beef. Cover and simmer over low heat for 2 hours, or until meat is tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if sauce is too thick. Taste and add more salt to taste. Serve over rice; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serves 4 to 6.