Ingredients
– 2 and 1/4 pounds beef chuck cut into 3-4 inch pieces
– 24 whole peeled shallots
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 to 6 garlic cloves grated or minced
– 2 tablespoons red wine or balsamic vinegar
– 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 bay leaves
– 4 to 6 whole peppercorns
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2 to 3 whole cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– A pinch of red pepper flakes optional for added heat
– 1 and 1/2 cups water for simmering
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by cutting the beef and peeling the shallots so everything is ready to go. This prep work sets the stage for even cooking and helps blend the flavors well. Take a moment to ensure your garlic is grated or minced for the best results.
2-Second Step: Brown the Beef Heat the olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming, which keeps it juicy and full of taste. This step locks in the flavors and gives the meat a nice color. Once done, set the beef aside for now.
3-Third Step: Build the Sauce In the same pot, add the shallots and cook them until they soften, then stir in the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. Let this mixture simmer to develop a rich base for your Traditional Greek Stifado. It’s all about layering those aromatic notes for depth.
4-Fourth Step: Simmer the Stew Return the beef to the pot and pour in the water, then bring it to a boil before lowering the heat. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until the beef turns tender. At this point, the sauce starts to thicken and the flavors meld together beautifully.
5-Fifth Step: Add the Shallots and Finish Gently add the sautรฉed shallots back into the pot and cook for another 30 minutes. This final simmer ensures everything is perfectly balanced and ready to serve. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to make it just how you like.
6-Sixth Step: Serve It Up Dish out your Traditional Greek Stifado with sides like rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a fun twist, pair it with a dessert from our site, such as the classic apple pie recipe that complements cozy meals. It’s a great way to end your dinner on a sweet note.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
๐ Browning the beef in batches ensures better searing and flavor.
๐ง
Gently sautรฉ shallots to retain their sweetness and texture.
โณ Slow cooking allows the stew to develop rich, deep flavors and tenderizes the meat perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Simmering time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising, simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
