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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-free

    Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado)

    Published: Dec 18, 2018 · Modified: Dec 7, 2019 by Makos

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado) is a hearty meal suitable both for a festive occasion or an everyday dinner. It can also be made with rabbit or veal.

    Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado)

    If you know any Greeks, then you’ve probably heard of Stifado. Stifado is a traditional Greek beef stew with LOTS of onions which lend great depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness that makes it irresistible.

    Sometimes it’s made with baby onions or pearl onions, and other times it’s made with regular sliced onions. I actually prefer it with regular sliced onions because they caramelize much better but pearl onions make it look more pretty and festive.

    But, tradition is not very strict in this case and also this stew will taste delicious no matter what type of onions you choose!

    Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado) 2

    Beef is not the only type of meat you can use to make Stifado. You can also make this traditional Greek onion stew with veal, rabbit, or hare. Especially hare, is considered a delicacy but it's very difficult to be found. Depending on the type of the meat, cooking times may change but the procedure remains the same.

    This Greek beef stew with orzo pasta (Youvetsi) is a very similar recipe to Stifado, with the difference that it uses more tomatoes and it’s finished in the oven. It is probably somewhat lighter, because it doesn’t contain so many onions. And just because we’re speaking of Greek stews, this post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the classic drunken pork stew (a.k.a.Bekri Meze) made with lots of wine and peppers!

    Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado) 3

    Some notes/tips:

    • The Cretan recipe for Stifado is made with cumin. In other parts of Greece, cinnamon and cloves are used instead (for the quantities given in the recipe, substitute cumin with one cinnamon stick and 3-4 cloves).
    • Cumin can lose its power quickly. If your ground cumin is not very fresh you may have to increase the amount given in the recipe. Taste and adjust to your liking!
    • Bring the meat to room temperature and pat dry very well before cooking.
    • Because Stifado contains a lot of onions, it can be heavy for some people. For a lighter recipe you can boil the onions in a pot filled with water for 5-10 minutes, rinse them well, and then add them to the stew.
    Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado) 4

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    📖 Recipe

    Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado) feat.

    Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado)

    Makos
    This Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado) is a hearty meal suitable both for a festive occasion or an everyday dinner. It can also be made with rabbit or veal.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 25 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine gluten-free, Greek, Mediterranean
    Servings 4
    Calories 685 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
    • 2 pounds (900 grams) cubed beef (like chuck)
    • 2 pounds (900 grams) pearl onions, peeled (or regular onions quartered)
    • 1 large onion, finely chopped
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 5 allspice kernels (or ½ teaspoon ground allspice)
    • 2-3 teaspoons fine salt (start with 2 and adjust by tasting)
    • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • 1 cup dry red wine
    • ¼ cup thick tomato paste plus ½ cup water (or 1 cup tomato juice)
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
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    Instructions
     

    • Heat a large pot over high heat and add the olive oil and the meat in one layer. If it doesn’t fit, you’ll do it in batches. Brown the meat very well from one side, then flip and brown from the other side.
    • Transfer the meat to a plate, reduce heat to medium/high and add the onions, the bay leaves, the cumin, the allspice, the salt and the pepper. Stir for 4-5 minutes until glossy, add the garlic and stir for 1 minute more.
    • Return the meat with all its juices to the pot and add the wine, the tomato paste, the water, and the balsamic vinegar. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes or until the meat is fork tender(it could take up to 2 hours depending the meat). After 45 minutes, check the pot and add a splash of water if needed. Taste and adjust the salt.
    • Serve with rice, mashed potatoes or pasta. Eat!

    Notes

    You may like these similar recipes:
    • Greek beef stew with orzo pasta (Youvetsi)
    • Bone broth soup with beef and vegetables
    • Greek Pasta Bake (Pastitsio)
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 685kcal
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Greek beef stew with orzo pasta (Youvetsi) f
    Beef Stew - Youvetsi
    bone broth soup with beef and vegetables 3
    Bone Broth Soup
    Pastitsio Recipe (Greek Pasta Bake) feat
    Pastitsio

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    Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado) 5

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    1. Nick @ GreekBoston.com

      December 27, 2018 at 3:30 pm

      Although you could slice the onions, it is much prettier to keep these whole. This stew is the perfect recipe for a colder day. It's the best winter food there is!

      Reply
    2. Joyce

      January 28, 2019 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      I never heard of stifado, but I LOVE onions and comfort food. We're getting 15-20 cms of snow tonight, I better rush out to grab some beef and lock myself in with this stew!! Looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Makos

        January 29, 2019 at 8:13 pm

        We only had one day of snow here in Athens, haha! Stay warm my friend!

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Makos. I make traditional Mediterranean recipes more accessible to modern people. Sometimes I'll add a twist. Take a look!

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