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Greek Beef Stew with Shallots

Greek Beef Stew with Shallots: Comfort Food at Its Best

This Greek Beef Stew with Shallots, known as Stifado, is a delightful harmony of tender beef simmered in rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil high-quality
  • 2–3 pounds beef chuck cut into 3-4 inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 1 can canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano or basil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar to balance acidity
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups water to cover beef
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 4 shallots shallots peeled and halved

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
  2. Sauté peeled shallots for 5-10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Brown 2–3 pounds of beef chuck in batches, searing each piece for about 5 minutes on each side.
  4. Return browned beef to pot and add 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional minute.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of oregano, and 1 tablespoon of sugar, then add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, followed by enough water to cover the ingredients.
  7. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover, allowing it to simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  8. Add sautéed shallots back into the stew and simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes.
  9. Adjust seasoning as necessary, and serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the stew to sit for a few hours or overnight for enhanced flavors. Consider making a double batch for several meals.

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