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Greek Beef Stew with Shallots – Classic Stifado with Rich Flavor

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A rich and aromatic Greek beef stew made with tender meat, shallots, red wine, and warm spices. Traditional stifado is comfort food at its finest — perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into large cubes

  • 1 lb shallots or pearl onions, peeled

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes

  • 1 cup dry red wine

  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

  • 1–2 whole cloves or allspice berries (optional)

  • 1/2 tsp salt, to taste

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

  • 1 cup water or beef stock (as needed)

Instructions

  • In a heavy pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Brown beef in batches on all sides. Set aside.

  • Add remaining oil. Sauté shallots until golden.

  • Stir in garlic, tomato paste, cinnamon stick, and spices. Cook 1 min.

  • Deglaze with red wine. Simmer 3–4 min.

  • Add crushed tomatoes and vinegar. Bring to simmer.

  • Return beef to pot with any juices. Add enough stock to barely cover.

  • Cover and simmer on low heat 2–2.5 hours, until beef is tender.

  • Uncover for last 30 min if needed to thicken. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

  • Freezes well for up to 3 months.

  • Serve with mashed potatoes, orzo, or crusty bread.

  • Substitute mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Find it online: https://bitetrovu.com/greek-beef-stew-with-shallots-classic-stifado-with-rich-flavor/