Stifado
Stifado is a hearty Greek stew featuring tender beef, aromatic spices, and slow-cooked onions, perfect for comforting family meals with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the beef into small pieces.
- Dice the onion.
- Sauté the beef in oil until browned.
- Add the diced onion and sauté together for three minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, vinegar, red wine, bay leaves, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, paprika, parsley, and 2 cups of warm water.
- Cook on low heat for 2 1/2 hours.
- Peel the small dry onions and carve them crosswise.
- In a pan, melt the butter and add 1 cup of water.
- Add the onions, garlic, and salt.
- Cook on low heat until the water evaporates.
- Add the cooked onions to the beef and cook for the last 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight in red wine and spices. If you don't have small dry onions, you can substitute with pearl onions or shallots. Adding a touch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. For a thicker sauce, mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste during cooking. This dish is a great example of Mediterranean recipes that bring depth and warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stifado over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple Greek salad for a complete meal. For an authentic experience, consider serving it with traditional Mediterranean recipes like lentil soup for a hearty spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stifado contains roughly 4523 calories, with 47g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 407g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (172% of the Daily Value), and calcium (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 745mg per serving (32% 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 stifado?
Yes, you can substitute beef with lamb or pork if you prefer. Each meat will impart a different flavor to the dish, so adjust cooking times accordingly. Lamb stifado, for instance, will be just as flavorful and tender when cooked slowly.
What should I do if I can't find fresh tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, you can use canned tomatoes instead. Opt for whole tomatoes and crush them, or use diced tomatoes for convenience. Just be sure to adjust the vinegar and seasonings to balance the acidity.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
The beef is tender when it can be easily pierced with a fork and falls apart. Cooking on low heat for the recommended time allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become fork-tender. If it’s not tender after 2 1/2 hours, continue cooking and check periodically.
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).