Description
Stifado is a traditional Greek beef stew with shallots that is bursting with flavor from a blend of aromatic spices and a hearty tomato-based sauce. This slow-cooked dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that will transport you to the Mediterranean with its rich and tender beef.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs small shallots, peeled
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water if needed)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Cook Shallots and Garlic: In the same pot, cook peeled shallots until golden. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return beef to the pot. Stir in red wine, vinegar, tomatoes, paste, and spices. Simmer.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer gently for 2-2 1/2 hours until beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Finish and Serve: Remove spices, garnish with parsley, and serve warm with preferred sides.
Notes
- Stifado flavors deepen the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish.
- Lamb or rabbit can be used as traditional alternatives to beef.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Braising
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
