Stifado: A Delicious Greek Beef Stew Recipe

Introduction

Stifado is a traditional Greek stew that is typically made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of fragrant spices. This rich and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends, especially during the colder months of the year. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make a delicious stifado with our easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make stifado for 4 servings:

• 1 kg beef stew meat
• 500g small onions
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 500g canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Start by peeling the small onions and slicing off the root and stem ends. Set them aside.

2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-10 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

3. Add the onions to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Add the tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and bay leaves to the pot and stir everything together. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in the red wine and beef broth and stir everything together. Then add the canned diced tomatoes, honey, and salt.

6. Add the beef back to the pot and stir everything together. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

7. Simmer the stew for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

8. Serve the stifado hot with your favorite side dishes, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version

To make a vegetarian or vegan version of stifado, simply replace the beef stew meat with your favorite plant-based protein, such as seitan, tofu, or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make the sauce. The rest of the recipe can be followed as written.

Other Variations

• Lamb stifado: Instead of beef, use lamb stew meat for a more traditional Greek flavor.
• Chicken stifado: Use chicken thighs or breasts instead of beef for a lighter version of the stew.
• Seafood stifado: Add shrimp, calamari, or other seafood to the stew for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

Conclusion

Stifado is a hearty and delicious Greek stew that is perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can make a rich and flavorful stifado at home that will impress your loved ones. Whether you make the traditional beef version or try one of our variations, we’re sure that you’ll love this classic Greek dish.

FAQ

What is Stifado?

Stifado is a Greek beef stew that is typically made with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

What cut of beef should I use for Stifado?

You can use any cut of beef for Stifado, but we recommend using a tougher, cheaper cut such as chuck or brisket, as they will become tender and flavorful after cooking for a long time.

Can I make Stifado in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Stifado in a slow cooker. Simply follow the recipe instructions and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I freeze Stifado?

Yes, you can freeze Stifado. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What should I serve with Stifado?

Stifado is traditionally served with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Can I make Stifado with lamb instead of beef?

Yes, you can make Stifado with lamb instead of beef. Simply use lamb shoulder or leg meat and follow the recipe instructions as written.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes in Stifado. Simply use a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes in place of the fresh tomatoes.

Can I make Stifado in advance?

Yes, you can make Stifado in advance. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.

What spices are used in Stifado?

Stifado typically includes cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves for flavor. Some recipes may also include allspice or black pepper.

Can I make Stifado without wine?

Yes, you can make Stifado without wine. Simply omit the red wine and use beef or vegetable broth instead.