Stifado Recipe (Made with Beef)

[kosta_karapinotis]

Ingredients:​

• 2.2 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into large chunks
• 3 ½ cups pearl onions (or small shallots), peeled
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ¾ cup red wine
• 1 ¾ cups (14 oz can) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1 cup beef broth or water

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Beef:​

• Pat the beef dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Onions:​

• Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot.
• Sauté the pearl onions until caramelized (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Deglaze and Simmer:​

• Pour in the red wine vinegar and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Let the alcohol cook off for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and all spices (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, oregano, allspice, and cumin).
• Return the beef to the pot, mix well, and bring to a boil.

4. Slow Cook:​

• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more broth or water.
• The stew is ready when the beef is fall-apart tender and the onions are soft.

​

 

[k_tsoukalas]

This looks like a fantastic recipe!

I find it also works with lamb but I prefer beef for its flavor. In Greece I've had it with rabbit - that's good too. As a United States girl, I prefer the beef.

I turn the spices into a bouquet garni because if you get mouthful of allspice berries it tastes weird. Lol.