Savory Beef Stifado: Rediscover Greek Comfort Food Magic Recipe
Introduction
Beef Stifado is a rich and hearty Greek stew that brings warm comfort to any table. Featuring tender beef simmered with sweet pearl onions, garlic, and fragrant spices, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and subtle sweetness. Rediscover traditional Greek flavors with this timeless recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef (chuck or brisket), cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 16 ounces small pearl onions, sweet variety
- 4 cloves garlic, fresh
- 1 cup red wine, for deglazing
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, quality canned
- 1 stick cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2 bay leaves (discard before serving)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (can substitute with sugar)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks in batches, searing all sides well. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, sauté the pearl onions and garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce for a few minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and dried oregano. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices. Add the red wine vinegar and honey, then cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Step 6: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves before serving.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use sweet pearl onions for an authentic mild flavor; if unavailable, small shallots work well as a substitute.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef with a splash of red wine and oregano for an hour before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered during the last 20 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
Storage
Store leftover Beef Stifado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This stew actually improves in flavor after resting overnight. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the cooked stew for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Stifado?
Yes, chuck or brisket are ideal because they become tender during slow cooking. You can also use beef stew meat, but avoid lean cuts as they may dry out.
Is red wine necessary for this recipe?
Red wine adds depth and richness but can be omitted if preferred. Substitute with extra crushed tomatoes and a splash of beef broth for good flavor.
PrintSavory Beef Stifado: Rediscover Greek Comfort Food Magic Recipe
Savory Beef Stifado is a traditional Greek comfort food featuring tender beef chunks slow-simmered with sweet pearl onions, garlic, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato and red wine sauce. This hearty stew is perfect for cozy dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, delivering deep, robust flavors that improve even more the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 2 pounds Beef (chuck or brisket), cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 16 ounces Small Pearl Onions (sweet variety), peeled
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Red Wine (for deglazing)
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (quality canned)
- 1 stick Cinnamon Stick (optional)
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves (discard before serving)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (can substitute with sugar)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef chunks in batches, ensuring all sides are well-seared to develop flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the peeled pearl onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift all browned bits. Let the wine reduce for a few minutes, intensifying the flavor base.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and dried oregano. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef along with its juices to the pot. Add red wine vinegar and honey, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Beef Stifado improves in flavor when reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
- Use sweet pearl onions for the authentic mild flavor; if unavailable, small shallots can be a substitute.
- Red wine vinegar and honey balance the acidity and sweetness of the stew, but both are optional based on your taste preference.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Keywords: Beef Stifado, Greek beef stew, Greek comfort food, slow simmer beef, savory beef stew, pearl onions stew, traditional Greek recipe
