Baked Round Steak (Bistecca al Forno)

2 lbs. round steak (1 inch thick)
1/2 clove garlic
Salt and pepper
3 Tbsp. pure vegetable oil
1/4 cup flour
1 6-oz. can tomato paste
1½ cups water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 bay leave (sm.)
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. sugar
1 onion (large sliced)
1 green pepper (cut into rings)

Cut steak into serving pieces, trim all fat. Rub with garlic, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pound flour into steak. Heat oil in large skillet, brown steak on both sides. Remove meat and place in casserole. Pour off fat. Mix tomato paste, water and seasonings. Heat in same skillet. Arrange onion and green pepper over meat in casserole. Pour tomato mixture over all. Cover tightly with lid or aluminum foil. Bake in moderate oven 350°F for 1¼ hours (or 2) or until meat is fork-tender. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Submitted by: Mrs. Yvonne Shrum