Kokkinisto-Greek Braised Beef In Red Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
703 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Kokkinisto-Greek Braised Beef In Red Sauce
Description
In this recipe for Kokkinisto-Greek Braised Beef In Red Sauce, pieces of chuck roast are seasoned and seared in olive oil until browned. Onions are sautéed in the same pot, deglazing browned bits to deepen flavor. Garlic, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and allspice are added and sautéed briefly before fresh chopped tomatoes are stirred in and cooked down. The seared beef returns to the pot with broth, and the mixture simmers gently for two-and-a-half hours until the meat is tender and sauces meld.
The slow simmering breaks down the beef fibers, making the stew richly flavored and tender. The combination of warm spices with fresh tomato creates a balanced sauce with aromatic notes of cinnamon and allspice. The texture is thick with a tender meat center.
This braised beef stew pairs well with simple sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnishes like fresh mint leaves, chili flakes, and an additional drizzle of olive oil enhance the dish’s brightness at the table.
Substitutions include using ground spices if whole allspice is unavailable and choosing canned San Marzano tomatoes in off-season. For a thicker sauce, a moderate addition of flour can be stirred in. Reduce excess liquid by simmering after removing the beef if necessary.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chuck roast cut into pieces for stew
- 1½ cups onion diced
- 5 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 cups tomatoes peeled and chopped, ripe
- 1 cup stock chicken, beef, or vegetable
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 oregano fresh sprigs
- 2-3 allspice whole
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
For serving
- mint leaf fresh
- chili flakes
- extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- For best results, the meat must be at room temperature.Blot it with a paper towel, to completely dry it.Season with sea salt.
- In a wide and heavy bottom pot heat the olive oil.Over high heat sear the meat, in batches, until it is well browned on all sides, forming a crust.Transfer the browned pieces with a slotted spoon to a plate.
- Add the diced onions to the pot, season with a pinch of sea salt and sauté, scrubbing the bottom with a wooden spoon to release the delicious fond (burnt remains from the meat). Saute onions for 5 minutes, on medium heat, until they turn golden.
- Add the diced garlic, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and allspice, and saute for 2-3 minutes.Add the fresh chopped tomatoes and stir. Cook for 10 minutes. Transfer the meat back with the juices accumulated on the plate. Add the broth. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 2½ hours.You want the sauce to simmer gently, with a few bubbles on its surface.
- Uncover and taste the meat. It should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.Remove from the heat, add some spearmint leaves and season to taste with sea salt. Add some chili flakes if you like.Let the kokkinisto rest for 10 minutes and serve with fried potatoes and a tomato salad.
Notes
- If whole allspice is unavailable, use 1 teaspoon ground allspice or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Use canned San Marzano tomatoes when fresh ones are out of season, crushing them by hand with their juices.
- Add tomato paste during onion sautéing to enrich flavor and reduce acidity in the sauce with a touch of sugar if needed.
- To thicken the sauce, gradually add small amounts of flour while stirring and cooking for a few minutes.
- If excess liquid remains after cooking, remove beef and simmer sauce uncovered to reduce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 703 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 703kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 53g | 82% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 33g | 165% |
| Trans Fat | 2g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 156mg | 52% |
| Sodium | 428mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 1131mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1100IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 88mg | 9% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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