Stifado Traditional Greek Stew

Dive into the heart of Greek culinary tradition with this rich and aromatic Stifado Traditional Greek Stew. This hearty dish features tender beef or veal simmered to perfection alongside sweet pearl onions in a robust tomato-based sauce infused with red wine, cinnamon, and warm allspice. With layers of caramelized flavors and subtle hints of red wine vinegar, this slow-cooked stew is the essence of Mediterranean comfort food, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, Stifado is typically served with crusty bread, rice, or traditional hilopites (Greek egg pasta) for a truly authentic experience. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this classic recipe is a must-try for lovers of slow-cooked stews and Greek cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg beef or veal (stew cuts)
• 500 g pearl onions, peeled
• 60 ml olive oil
• 250 ml red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
• 500 ml water or beef stock
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cinnamon sticks
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 allspice berries
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat half of the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the beef or veal with salt and black pepper, then sear the meat in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the pearl onions until golden and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Deglaze the pot by adding the red wine, scraping up any stuck-on browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to burn off the alcohol.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste and mix well, then add the chopped tomatoes, red wine vinegar, water or beef stock, sugar, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and allspice berries.

Step 7

Return the seared beef or veal to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the lid to allow the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, if needed.

Step 10

Remove the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and allspice berries before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or traditional Greek hilopites (egg pasta).

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3009.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4101.3

Total Fat 299.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 105.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 840mg	0%
Sodium 3639.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.1g	0%
Total Sugars 42.7g
Protein 227.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 447.1mg	0%
Iron 37.5mg	0%
Potassium 5469.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.7%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 9.4%