Certainly! Let’s dive into the detailed recipe for Stefado, a delightful Greek beef stew featuring small onions, tomato paste, red wine, and aromatic spices like bay leaf and cinnamon. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, served ideally over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Stefado (Greek Beef Stew with Small Onions)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Serves: About 4-6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| White sugar | 4 tsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Red wine | 2 cups |
| Red wine vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 cloves |
| Bay leaf | 3 leaves |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 stick |
| Dried rosemary | 1/2 tsp |
| Beef stew meat, cubed | 3 lbs |
| Small pearl onions, peeled | 1 lb |
Instructions:
-
Brown the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
-
Caramelize the Onions:
- In the same Dutch oven, add the remaining olive oil (1 tablespoon) and sprinkle in the white sugar.
- Stir until the sugar starts to caramelize.
- Add the pearl onions and cook until they are golden brown.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the caramelized onions.
- Stir in the tomato paste, red wine, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and dried rosemary.
-
Simmer the Stew:
- If using whole cinnamon stick and bay leaves, you can either tie them in a cheesecloth spice bag or simply add them directly to the stew (remember to remove them later).
- Cover the Dutch oven and simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. You may need to add about a cup of water halfway through cooking to maintain enough liquid in the stew.
-
Season and Serve:
- Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
-
Oven Baking Option:
- Alternatively, you can bake the stew in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C). Adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking periodically to ensure the beef is tender.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1089.5
- Total Fat: 80.4g
- Saturated Fat: 28.9g
- Cholesterol: 234.7mg
- Sodium: 543.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugars: 9.9g
- Protein: 65.4g
Tips and Serving Suggestions:
Stefado is a dish that benefits from slow cooking, allowing the flavors to develop fully. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, robust tomato paste, and aromatic spices creates a savory and rich stew that pairs beautifully with the tender beef. Serve it for a special occasion or as a comforting meal on a chilly evening. Don’t forget a crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Some variations include adding more vegetables like carrots or potatoes, or adjusting the sweetness or acidity by altering the amount of sugar or vinegar. Experiment with different types of red wine to find your favorite flavor profile.
Whether you choose to simmer it on the stove or bake it slowly in the oven, Stefado promises to fill your home with wonderful aromas and your table with a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the process of cooking this traditional Greek dish and savor every bite of its tender beef and flavorful sauce! 🍲
