Spiced Pastitsatha Beef Stew

This stew — with its almost Indian spicing and use of beef rather than lamb - is not what we think of as being typically Mediterranean, but it is based on a Corfiot dish. The island of Corfu has been much influenced by its proximity to Italy, hence the inclusion of noodles. Rolled brisket is used in the original dish, but since the meat is sliced only to be returned to the sauce there seems little logic or culinary gain from working with a whole piece of beef. Use shin instead, as this deli