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Savory Beef Stifado

Savory Beef Stifado: A Cozy Greek Stew to Warm Your Heart

Savory Beef Stifado is a hearty Greek stew filled with tender beef, aromatic spices, and red wine, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 2 pounds Beef (Chuck or Brisket) choose well-marbled cuts
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or substitute with vegetable oil
  • 1 pound Small Pearl Onions sweet onion varieties preferred
  • 4 cloves Garlic fresh cloves recommended
  • 1 cup Red Wine for deglazing
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes high-quality canned preferred
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick optional, remove before serving
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves remove before serving
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano fresh is a good substitute
For the Flavor Enhancers
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar optional for acidity
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or brown sugar as a substitute
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and pour in olive oil. Add beef chunks in batches, browning for 4-5 minutes each side until golden brown. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and sauté pearl onions and minced garlic for 5-7 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Pour in one cup of red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced slightly.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Return the beef to the pot along with its juices. Add red wine vinegar and honey, stirring to combine. Cover and reduce heat to low; let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  6. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick before serving.
  7. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Let the stew rest for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavors.

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