Beef Stifado - Greek Beef Stew
Beef Stifado - Greek Beef Stew is a soul-warming dish that blends tender beef, sweet onions, and warm spices for a comforting meal. This simple recipe delivers rich, authentic Greek flavors perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 900 g beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 lb 450 g pearl onions, peeled
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup 60 ml olive oil
- 1 cup 240 ml dry red wine (e.g., Merlot)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can 15 oz/425 g crushed tomatoes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep Onions
- I blanch 1 lb pearl onions in boiling water for 1 minute, then rinse in cold water to peel easily for this simple recipe.
Brown Beef
- I heat ¼ cup olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. I brown 2 lbs beef cubes in batches, searing all sides for 5–7 minutes, then set aside for this hearty Greek stew.
Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, I sauté pearl onions and 4 minced garlic cloves for 3–4 minutes. I add 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute for this cozy Mediterranean dish.
Simmer Stew
- I return beef to the pot, adding 1 cup red wine, 2 tbsp vinegar, 15 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp sugar, salt, and pepper. I cover and simmer on low for 1.5–2 hours until tender for this savory beef dish.
Serve Stew
- I remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves, then serve hot for this Beef Stifado - Greek Beef Stew with crusty bread or orzo for a cozy Mediterranean dish.
Notes
- For a traditional twist, substitute beef with rabbit or lamb.
- If pearl onions are unavailable, use shallots or small white onions.
- Balsamic vinegar can replace red wine vinegar for a richer flavor.
- This stew develops deeper flavors when made a day in advance.
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