Description
This Stifado recipe is a hearty Greek beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef, shallots, and a fragrant blend of spices simmered to perfection. A comforting and flavorful dish that is ideal for showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Greece.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stew:
- 2 1/2 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into large chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs shallots, peeled and left whole
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Generously season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, then set aside.
- Cook Shallots: In the same pot, add shallots and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Deglaze with red wine and vinegar, then stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and spices. Return beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2–2 1/2 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Stifado is best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
- For a more traditional flavor, consider adding a small piece of orange peel to the stew while simmering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising, stovetop simmer
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 49 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
