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3.2 from 15 votes

Stifado

Stifádo (στιφάδο) is one of the most emblematic and delicious dishes of Greek cuisine. It can be compared to a French beef bourguignon.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Greek

Ingredients

  • 2 lb beef stew meat , cut into large cubes (e.g. chuck or scoter)
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb pearl onions  , peeled
  • 3 cloves garlic , cut in half lengthwise
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground clove
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups full-bodied red wine
  • 1 orange (grated zest and juice)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 small bunch flat parsley , chopped
  • salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the olive oil in a glazed terracotta or cast iron pot over medium heat. Brown the pearl onions for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and brown for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the cubes of meat and brown on all sides, stirring often. Add the cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves and tomato paste. Season with salt.
  3. Cover with red wine and mix well. Add a little water if necessary so that the meat is immersed.
  4. Add the orange zest and the juice, as well as the bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes over high heat.
  5. Lower the heat and simmer covered, over very low heat for 1h45.
  6. Remove the lid and continue cooking for 1 hour, still on very low heat.
  7. Stir a few times while cooking.
  8. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with cooked potatoes, rice or ziti or macaroni pasta.