Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-soaked shores of Greece with our irresistible Greek Beef Stew with Pearl Onions, known as Stifado. This hearty dish combines tender chunks of beef with sweet pearl onions and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection in a rich, savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a comforting meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Ready to impress your loved ones with a taste of the Mediterranean? Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef, cut into chunks
- 2 cups pearl onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by patting the chunks dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add pearl onions. Sauté until they begin to caramelize and turn golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to maximize flavor.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer slowly for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender and the sauce should thicken.
- Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. The stew should have a rich, deep color and the beef should be fork-tender.
- Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by rice, orzo, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for cuts like chuck or brisket, which become melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the beef. A deep golden-brown crust adds rich flavor to your stew, so avoid overcrowding the pot and brown in batches if necessary.
- Use Quality Red Wine: The wine you choose can significantly impact the flavor of your stew. Select a good-quality red wine that you enjoy drinking, as its flavors will be concentrated during cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste your stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Let it Rest: For even better flavor, let your stew sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve with the Right Accompaniments: Pair your Stifado with traditional sides like rice, orzo, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
