itsmepat
Novice Foodie
I recently made Greek Stifado, and it turned out to be a rich and flavorful stew that truly captures the essence of Greek cuisine! This hearty dish is made with tender beef or rabbit, slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a mix of aromatic spices. It's perfect for a comforting dinner, especially during the colder months. Here’s how you can make this delicious Greek Stifado at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef (or rabbit), cut into large chunks
- 2 lbs (900g) small pearl onions, peeled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the meat chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions:
- In the same pot, add the pearl onions and sauté until they start to soften and caramelize, about 10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
- Return the browned meat to the pot with the onions.
- Add the red wine and red wine vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves before serving.
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve the stifado hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or orzo pasta.
Conclusion
Greek Stifado is a comforting and aromatic stew that brings the flavors of Greece to your table. The tender meat, sweet onions, and rich tomato sauce, combined with the warmth of spices, make this dish a true delight. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this stifado recipe will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a taste of Greece with this traditional and hearty meal!
