Description
A hearty and flavorful Greek beef stew with tender meat, aromatic spices, and sweet pearl onions, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 pound pearl onions (or shallots)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Chop onions and mince garlic. Blanch pearl onions for easier peeling.
- Marinate the meat: Coat beef cubes with salt, pepper, and red wine; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sear the meat: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven, brown meat in batches without overcrowding.
- Sauté aromatics: Remove beef, sauté garlic and onions until golden.
- Create the sauce: Add beef back, crushed tomatoes, remaining wine, and broth. Stir in spices and bring to a boil.
- Simmer low and slow: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finishing touch: Add chopped parsley and dill in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Notes
For a vegetarian twist, substitute beef with chicken or chickpeas. It pairs well with Greek salad and tzatziki.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Greek, stifado, beef stew, comfort food, Mediterranean