Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)
This aromatic stew of beef and onions cooked in red wine is a popular Greek dish. Best served with roast potatoes or crusty bread!
Servings: 4 yield(s)
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 180 mins
Total Time: 200 mins
Ingredients
  • 2 onions (peeled & sliced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (peeled & crushed)
  • 600 ml beef stock
  • 900 g stewing steak (cubed)
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 200 ml red wine
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 450 g shallots (peeled)
  • 1/2 lemon (juice only)
  • salt & pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped)
Instructions
  1. Place the onions, garlic and 300ml of the stock in a large ovenproof casserole dish, cover and bring to the boil. Boil for 5-10 minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, until the onions are tender and golden.
  2. Add the cubed beef and cook over a low heat, turning occasionally, until browned all over. Stir in the tomato puree, red wine, vinegar and herbs and the remaining stock.
  3. Tie the cumin seeds, cloves and cinnamon stick in a piece of muslin and place in the dish. Cover and cook in a pre-heated oven at 170°C/150°C/Fan 325°F/Gas mark 3 for 2 ½ hours.
  4. Place the shallots in boiling water and blanch for 1 minute. Drain and add to the casserole 1 hour before the end of cooking.
  5. Remove the herbs and spice bag from the casserole. Add the lemon juice and seasoning. Sprinkle with coriander and serve with roast potatoes or crusty bread.
Recipe Notes

  I have been commissioned by Arthur Price to create this recipe and share this blog post with you here on my website. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I only endorse products I genuinely would recommend to you.