- Beef chuck or shin, cut into bite-sized pieces (main ingredient)
- Onion, finely chopped (vegetable)
- Olive oil (healthy fat)
- Garlic cloves, minced (garlic)
- Tomato paste (tomato)
- Red wine (alcoholic beverage, optional for flavor)
- Tinned tomatoes (tinned/tomatoes)
- Vegetable stock or beef broth (broth/stock)
- Cinnamon stick (spice)
- Bay leaf (bay leaf/spice)
- Oregano (herb)
- Thyme (herb)
- Black pepper (spice), freshly ground
- Salt (salt to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking, healthy fat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Steps
### Detailed Steps to Make Delicious Beef Stifado
#### Introduction:
Beef Stifado is a traditional Greek stew that combines tender chunks of beef with a rich tomato sauce and onions, all slow-cooked until meltingly soft. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutritional benefits from the vegetables and lean meat.
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#### Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2 lbs) beef chuck or brisket, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 500 ml (2 cups) good-quality canned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 300 ml (1 cup) beef broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
#### Keywords:
- Beef Stifado recipe
- Greek cuisine
- Slow-cooked stew
- Traditional meat dish
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#### Instructions:
##### Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
1. **Trim and Cut the Meat:** Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck or brisket, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Prepare the Onions:** Peel and slice the onions thinly using a sharp knife for even cooking.
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##### Step 2: Cooking the Beef
1. **Heat Olive Oil:** In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. **Brown the Meat:** Add the beef to the pot in batches and brown on all sides, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. This step helps seal the meat and locks in flavor. Remove from the pot once browned and set aside.
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##### Step 3: Cooking the Onions
1. **Add More Oil if Needed:** If needed, add a little more oil to the pot.
2. **Cook the Onions:** Reduce heat to medium and sauté the onions until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This step is crucial for developing depth of flavor.
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##### Step 4: Making the Sauce
1. **Deglaze with Broth:** Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. **Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings:** Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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##### Step 5: Combining Ingredients
1. **Return Beef to Pot:** Add the browned beef back into the pot with the onions and sauce.
2. **Add Tomatoes:** Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juice) and stir everything together well.
3. **Simmer:** Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 1 to 2 hours or until the meat is very tender.
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##### Step 6: Serving
1. **Garnish with Parsley:** Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the beef stifado.
2. **Serve Hot:** Serve hot with crusty bread or rice on the side.
#### Tips for Success:
- **Use Good-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your beef stifado.
- **Slow Cooking is Key:** This recipe benefits from slow cooking to ensure the meat becomes incredibly tender. If using a crockpot, cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
#### Conclusion:
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful beef stifado as part of a comforting meal. Perfect for cooler evenings or during the holidays, it's sure to impress your family and friends with its rich aroma and delicious taste. Don't forget to pair it with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat!
#### Keywords:
- Beef Stifado
- Greek beef stew
- Traditional meat dishes
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Feel free to adjust seasonings according to personal preference, and don’t hesitate to experiment with additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Enjoy cooking!