Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Greece! This legendary Stefado is not just a recipe; it's a hearty, soul-warming dish that promises to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Imagine tender beef cubes slowly simmered in rich red wine, infused with aromatic garlic and herbs, creating a sauce so delectable that you'll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef, cut into cubes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes, mince the garlic, and chop the onion. Set these aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add the red wine. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze, ensuring all the flavorful bits are incorporated into the sauce.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The beef should become tender and the flavors well developed.
- After 2 hours, taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve the Stefado hot, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the most tender results, use chuck roast or beef stew meat with good marbling.
- Browning is Key: Take your time browning the meat in batches. This step develops deep, complex flavors that are crucial to an authentic Stefado.
- Low and Slow: Patience is essential. The 2-hour cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Wine Matters: Use a good quality red wine you'd enjoy drinking. The wine's flavor will concentrate in the sauce.
- Don't Rush the Onions and Garlic: Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant to build a flavor foundation.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Stefado tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the incredible sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 558kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 120mg
