Greek stifado is a traditional Greek beef stew that is cooked slowly in a rich tomato sauce flavored with red wine, onions, and aromatic spices. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of making Greek stifado with red wine from scratch.
Ingredients:
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for Greek stifado:
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat (cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 onions (sliced)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sautéing the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. This will help develop the flavor of the meat and give the stifado a rich taste. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Cooking the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will release their flavors and add depth to the stew.
Adding the Red Wine and Tomatoes:
Pour the red wine into the pot with the onions and garlic. Let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off some of the alcohol. Then, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
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Simmering the Stew:
Return the browned beef cubes to the pot and give everything a good stir. Bring the stifado to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 2 to 2 ½ hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and results in a melt-in-your-mouth dish.
Serving Greek Stifado:
Once the stifado is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it. Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick from the pot. You can serve the Greek stifado on a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
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Pairing with Red Wine:
Greek stifado is a dish rich in flavors, and it pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine. The robust and earthy flavors of the stew complement the fruity and tannic qualities of red wines. For the Greek stifado, we recommend choosing a red wine with medium to full body and a good amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the dish. Some great wine options to consider are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Agiorgitiko, a grape variety indigenous to Greece.
Conclusion:
Greek stifado is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef, onions, and red wine. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily recreate this traditional Greek stew in your own kitchen. Pair it with a glass of red wine, and you have the perfect combination for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!