If you love a good beef stifado, wouldn’t it be great if you could whip the dish yourself anytime you get the cravings? Beef stifado is a dish that is often associated with childhood memories or family recipes passed down through generations. The simplicity of ingredients and cooking methods adds to its appeal, evoking a sense of nostalgia and tradition with this Beef Stifado Recipe.
Stifado, which means “stew” in Greek, is a slow-cooked dish that is typically prepared during festive occasions or on cold winter nights when all you need is a warm meal. the unique combination of flavors, the cultural significance, and the comforting nature of beef stifado have contributed to its fame and popularity both within Greece and in international culinary circles.
Today, we are going to share with you an easy beef stifado recipe that you can master within a couple of tries. We’ll also share how you can serve it in different ways to enjoy it the best.
Step-by-step easy beef stifado recipe for home cooking
Beef stifado is more than just a dish; it is a celebration of the Greek culinary heritage. It embodies the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. So, why not bring a taste of Greece into your own kitchen and delight in the flavours of this classic dish?
Let’s dive into the easy beef stifado recipe and learn how to make a dish that will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean.
Ingrédients
Here are some ingredients that you will require to whip up the popular beef stifado dish in your kitchen:
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat that is cut into cubes
- 2 onions, sliced thinly
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tasse de bouillon de boeuf
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 cuillères à soupe d'huile d'olive
- Sel et poivre au goût
Directions
Once you have all the ingredients ready, all you have to do is follow the beef stifado recipe below and you’ll have a pipping hot beef stifado ready to be devoured:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat some olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven.
- Add the beef cubes to the oil and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are brown on all sides. Next, remove the beef from the pot and place it aside to cool.
- In the same pot, add onions and sauté for 5 minutes until they turn translucent. Next, add garlic and cook it for 60 seconds.
- Return the beef to the pot and add all the leftover ingredients including bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, oregano, thyme, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Next, cover the pot and place it in the oven to bake for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Briefing out the pot from the oven and let it cool before serving.
Tips for baking the most delicious beef stifado recipe
While the above beef stifado recipe is enough to cook a mouth-watering dish, here are some tips that can make it even better:
- Use a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that the beef cooks evenly.
- For extra flavour, marinate the beef overnight in red wine and herbs before cooking.
- If you want to make it a healthier dish, add some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms to the pot for a burst of flavour.
Serve the dish using the same beef stifado recipe but with a twist
Beef stifado is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Using the above beef stifado recipe, you can serve it in many other ways including:
Patates
Pair beef stifado with roasted or boiled potatoes. The soft and creamy potatoes complement the robust flavours of the stew. For the best flavour, cut them into chunks and cook them together with the beef. As an alternative, you also serve them on the side.
Pasta
Beef stifado can also be served with pasta for a unique twist. Choose a sturdy pasta shape such as rigatoni or penne that can hold up to the robust sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the stifado, ensuring that every bite is coated in a flavorful sauce.
Side Salad
Balance out the richness of the beef stifado by serving it with a refreshing side salad. A simple Greek salad with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and tangy feta cheese dressed with lemon juice and olive oil pairs wonderfully with the flavours of the stew.
Conclusion
Beef stifado is a staple dish in Greek cuisine, known for its rich and hearty flavors. With the easy beef stifado recipe we have shared above, the combination of tender beef, caramelized onions, aromatic spices like cinnamon and bay leaves, and the tanginess of tomatoes creates a delicious and satisfying taste that sets it apart from other beef stews. Try serving it with rice, pasta, or as a side salad, for a more hearty meal. We hope you enjoy this beef stifado recipe and share it with your loved ones! For more such updates, visit Heure d'alimentation.