Greek-Style Beef Stew (Stifado) Recipe
One of the best ways to truly experience a culture is by experiencing its cuisine, and no culinary journey would be complete without trying one of Greece’s most beloved recipes – beef stew Stifado.
A traditional Corfiot recipe that has been passed down through generations, this braised lamb or beef stew is renowned for its unique sweet-savory combination of flavors and aromas.
Packed with onions, garlic, cinnamon, and plenty more ingredients sure to tantalize your taste buds – this recipe can easily turn a dull dinner night into something extraordinary!
Whether you’re visiting Corfu or just looking for an interesting way to impress family at home– cooking up a batch of Stifado will do the trick!
So here we are to invite you to indulge in the rich and savory flavors of traditional Greek cuisine with our Slowly Cooked Beef Stifado recipe which we are excited to share with you.
In traditional Greek cuisine, beef stifado is a beloved slow-cooked stew that is full of rich, deep flavors. The key to making a truly exceptional stifado is to take your time and cook it slowly, allowing all the ingredients to meld together perfectly.
One of the essential ingredients in beef stifado is baby onions, which add a delightful sweetness.
To make this recipe, start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the baby onions and cook them until they are golden brown and caramelized. Next, add the beef and brown it on all sides, then add in the garlic and cloves and cook until fragrant.
Once the beef is browned and the garlic is fragrant, add in some tomato purée or/and chopped tomatoes and stir everything together well. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the beef stifado simmer slowly for several hours.
This slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to blend together and results in a deliciously flavorful beef stifado.
As you cook the stifado, be sure to keep an eye on the heat and adjust it as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. The goal is to let the beef cook slowly and gently until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender. And be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed as the stew cooks.
Overall, beef stifado is a classic recipe that is loved by many for its hearty, comforting flavors. By taking the time to cook it slowly and using quality ingredients like baby onions, chopped tomatoes, garlic, and tomato purée, you can create a truly exceptional traditional Greek meal that is sure to impress.
But first things first.
In Greece, we pride ourselves on preparing and serving authentic Greek cuisine that is not only delicious but also healthy.
One of our most popular dishes is the Greek-style beef stew, or Stifado, which is made with tender chunks of beef, onions, and tomatoes, all cooked in a blend of herbs and spices.
In this article, we will share our recipe for this hearty and flavorful plate, along with tips and tricks to make it even more delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into large chunks
- 2 cups diced onions
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. salt preferably kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Add the onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, cinnamon sticks, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
- Add the tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, and red wine vinegar and stir to combine with cinnamon sticks.
- Return the beef to the pot and stir to combine.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Cooking time: Bake for about two hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the pot from the oven to reduce heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- It’s important to serve it hot with freshly baked bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a richer flavor, marinate the beef in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- To save time, use a pressure cooker or slow cooker instead of the oven.
- For a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste or flour to the pot before baking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color and flavor.
- Better is to use a wooden spoon or a slotted spoon.
- Try to use fresh ingredients. For example avoid to use frozen pearl onions and use fresh onions instead.
In conclusion, our Greek-style beef stew (Stifado) recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect to serve in cold nights or family dinners.
By following our simple instructions and our recipes using high-quality ingredients, you can create a flavorful and healthy meal to serve that will impress your guests. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
Why Beef Stifado Is a Must-Try Dish
Stifado is a must-try dish for anyone who loves hearty stews and flavorful, comforting meals. This recipe is a staple of Greek cuisine, and it has been enjoyed for generations by families and friends gathered around the dinner table.
Slow cooking
The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the beef, tomatoes, and oil and spices to meld together and cook through, resulting in meat with a rich and complex flavor profile that is sure to delight your taste buds.
In addition to its delicious flavor, stifado stew is also a nutritious and satisfying meal. Beef is a great source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients, while the tomatoes pearl onions and herbs in the stew provide additional vitamins and antioxidants.
Stifado is also a versatile dish that can be cooked and enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be served over rice, potatoes, or pasta, or simply enjoyed on its own with a slice of crusty bread.
The remaining oil becomes a mouthful and tasteful creamy red sauce with cloves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, beef stifado is a delicious and hearty recipe that is sure to please anyone who loves flavorful stews and comforting meals. It is easy to make and is packed with nutrients and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
By following the simple recipe we provided, you can enjoy this delicious meal in the comfort of your own home.
Meal prepping
Not only is stifado a great choice to enjoy with family and friends, but it is also a perfect option for meal prepping.
It can be stored in the fridge or freezer and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.
If you are looking for meat in a mouthwatering and nutrient-packed meal then beef stifado is the perfect option for you to cook yourself. With its rich and complex flavor profile, this is sure to satisfy your meat cravings and impress your taste buds.
So, give it a try and experience the cloves taste in combination with the delicious taste of meat from Greece in your own kitchen!
Stifado is possible to prepare also with other kinds of meat. For example wild rabbit, chicken, lamb, cuttlefish etc.
