Beef stifado is a traditional Greek dish that is perfect for a hearty and warming meal. This recipe is made with beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of Mediterranean spices. The beef is cooked slowly in a rich and flavorful sauce until it is tender and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
To make beef stifado, you will need the following ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup beef broth
1 cup red wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cinnamon stick
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make beef stifado:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Season the beef with salt and pepper, and add it to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Add the onions and garlic to the pot, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and cinnamon stick to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves from the pot.
Serve hot with your favorite side dish, such as rice or potatoes.
Nutrition
Here is the nutritional information for one serving of beef stifado:
Calories: 417
Protein: 34g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 619mg
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making beef stifado:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the pot during the cooking process.
You can also add other vegetables to the pot, such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers.
If you don't have red wine, you can substitute beef broth or water.
For a more authentic Greek flavor, you can add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar to the pot.
Be sure to use a high-quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Beef stifado is a classic Greek dish that is sure to please your taste buds. This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, beef stifado is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So why not give it a try today?