Stifado is a classic Greek beef stew, slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, shallots, and a rich tomato sauce. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, this hearty stew is the perfect comfort food for cooler months. Its balanced sweet and savory flavors, along with the soft shallots and meaty beef, make this dish a true taste of Greece. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Shallots: 24 shallots, peeled and left whole

• Beef: 2 and 1/4 pounds beef chuck, cut into pieces

• Olive Oil: ½ cup (or less for a lighter version)

• Garlic: 4-6 garlic cloves, grated

• Red Wine Vinegar or Balsamic: 2 tbsp

• Tomatoes: 1 (28oz/794g) can of crushed tomatoes

• Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp

• Dried Oregano: 1 tsp

• Sugar: ½ tsp (or more, as needed)

• Bay Leaves: 2

• Peppercorns: 4-6

• Cinnamon Stick: 1

• Whole Cloves: 2-3

• Salt & Pepper: To taste

• Water: 1 and ½ cups

• Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Shallots: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté for 5-10 minutes, or until golden and soft. Remove and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef: Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 minutes per side, then set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: Add the garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few seconds. Add the canned crushed tomatoes, red wine vinegar, oregano, sugar, bay leaves, peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cloves, salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the beef becomes tender.

4. Add the Shallots: Gently stir in the shallots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the shallots to soften and absorb the flavors.

5. Serve: Serve the stifado with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Enjoy!

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Total Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 80mg

• Sodium: 550mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 15g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 9g

• Protein: 35g

• Vitamin A: 4% of the Daily Value

• Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value

• Calcium: 4% of the Daily Value

• Iron: 20% of the Daily Value

This dish is rich in protein from the beef, and the cinnamon and cloves provide antioxidants. The shallots and tomatoes contribute some fiber and vitamins, making it a hearty and nutritious stew!

The Key Ingredients of Stifado

At the heart of Stifado lies beef chuck, a cut of meat that’s ideal for slow-cooking. Beef chuck becomes incredibly tender when simmered over low heat, and its deep, meaty flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce and spices in this dish. The beef pieces absorb the tomato-based sauce, becoming flavorful and succulent.

Shallots play an equally important role in this recipe. Unlike regular onions, shallots are milder and sweeter, and when slow-cooked, they transform into tender, caramelized morsels that melt into the stew, enriching the sauce. The 24 shallots used in this recipe add a unique sweetness that balances out the savory beef and tangy tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

The sauce itself is a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a variety of spices. Cinnamon and cloves infuse the sauce with warmth, while bay leaves, oregano, and peppercorns bring in a Mediterranean depth of flavor. The addition of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar provides a touch of acidity that brightens the overall dish, while a pinch of sugar helps to balance the flavors.

Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor

The magic of Stifado lies in its slow-cooked process. The beef and shallots are browned separately, which helps to develop deep flavors before they are combined with the tomato sauce. The browned beef pieces create a rich, savory base for the sauce, while the shallots, sautéed until golden, bring a sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory components.

Once the beef and shallots are added to the pot, the tomato paste, garlic, and spices are stirred in, creating the foundation for the sauce. The dish is simmered for over an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. The sauce thickens, and the beef absorbs the aromatic flavors of the spices, resulting in a comforting stew that is rich in both flavor and texture.

Balancing Sweet and Savory

The sweetness of the shallots and the slight acidity of the tomatoes come together harmoniously in Stifado. The recipe calls for a bit of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes, balancing the natural acidity and giving the sauce a slight richness. The vinegar further helps to brighten the stew, preventing the flavors from becoming too heavy. The spices—cinnamon, cloves, and oregano—provide complexity and warmth, with the cinnamon and cloves contributing a slight sweetness that complements the savory meat and tomatoes.

Peppercorns and bay leaves bring a fragrant herbal note to the dish, while the optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. The careful balance of sweet and savory elements is what makes Stifado such a comforting and satisfying dish. Every bite is a perfect combination of tender beef, sweet shallots, and a rich, flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Stifado

Stifado is traditionally served with simple, starchy sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Rice is a common accompaniment, allowing the sauce to be absorbed and making each bite more hearty. Mashed potatoes are another excellent option, offering a creamy base that pairs well with the rich stew. For a lighter option, crusty bread can be used to mop up the sauce, ensuring that none of the flavorful liquid goes to waste.

A side of green vegetables or a fresh Greek salad with olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. The cool, crisp salad will balance the warm, hearty flavors of the Stifado, making the meal feel more complete.

Nutritional Benefits of Stifado

Stifado is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The beef chuck used in this recipe is an excellent source of protein, which helps to build and repair tissues in the body. The tomatoes and shallots provide important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, which support immune function, skin health, and overall well-being.

Shallots are particularly beneficial due to their antioxidant content, which helps to protect the body from oxidative stress. The cinnamon and cloves used in the stew also offer antioxidant properties, contributing to the dish’s health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cloves have been used for centuries for their medicinal qualities, including their ability to support digestive health.

Making Stifado Your Own

Stifado is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For those looking for a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of olive oil used in the cooking process or opt for leaner cuts of beef, such as sirloin or round. You could also add more vegetables to the dish, such as carrots or bell peppers, to increase its fiber content and add extra nutrients.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for a mild kick. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of vinegar—red wine vinegar is traditional, but balsamic vinegar can provide a deeper, slightly sweeter flavor.

If you’re looking to make the dish more filling, consider serving it with couscous or quinoa for an alternative to rice or potatoes. These grains will absorb the stew’s flavors and add a satisfying texture to the meal.

Conclusion

Stifado is a classic Greek beef stew that captures the heart of Mediterranean cuisine with its slow-cooked, tender beef, sweet shallots, and aromatic tomato sauce. The combination of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and oregano gives the stew a rich, warming flavor that’s perfect for cooler months. Whether served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, Stifado is a satisfying and comforting dish that will transport you to the flavors of Greece. Rich in flavor and packed with protein and nutrients, this stew is a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The careful balance of sweet and savory ingredients makes Stifado a truly memorable dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.