Stefado
Stefado is a hearty Greek stew featuring tender beef, sweet onions, and rich tomato and wine flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add the beef and coat with butter without browning.
- Arrange the peeled small onions over the meat.
- Mix tomato paste, red wine, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and cumin, then pour over the meat and onions.
- Add the bay leaf to the mixture.
- Place a plate over the onions to hold them down, then cover and simmer for 3 hours or until the meat is very tender, without stirring during cooking.
- When ready to serve, gently stir the sauce to blend.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you can't find small onions, pearl onions or shallots can work as substitutes. Additionally, for a slightly sweeter taste, you might replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. This dish is reminiscent of hearty beef recipes like Goulash With Green Peppers And Noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Stefado over a bed of Luca'S Rice for a comforting meal, or pair it with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad complements the dish well. This hearty stew also pairs beautifully with other beef recipes for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Stefado can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stefado contains roughly 2030 calories, with 77g protein, 276g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (199% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for Stefado?
Yes, while lean beef stew meat is traditional, you can substitute it with lamb or even pork for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat used to ensure it's tender.
How can I make Stefado spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick.
Is there a vegetarian version of Stefado?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by using hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini as a substitute for beef. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and follow the same cooking method for a delicious plant-based adaptation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).