Greek Stifado with Shallots brings the warmth and heartiness of traditional Mediterranean cooking right to your table. This recipe features tender beef simmered lovingly with sweet shallots and aromatic spices, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for winter evenings or family gatherings. Every bite is a celebration of rich flavors that will have your loved ones asking for seconds. I still remember the first time I made this dish; the savory aroma filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to the sun-soaked hills of Greece.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s a reason Greek Stifado is a beloved classic! Not only does it deliver bold flavors, but it’s also a one-pot wonder, making it a breeze to prepare and clean up afterward. The combination of tender beef, sautéed shallots, and fragrant spices creates a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings where you want to impress without stressing. Plus, it’s budget-friendly; you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank!
"This Stifado is my new go-to for family dinners! The sweetness of the shallots perfectly balances the spices, and my kids devoured it!"
The cooking process explained
Making Greek Stifado with Shallots is surprisingly simple. First, you’ll sauté shallots until they’re golden and soft, then brown your beef in batches to build flavor. After that, a delightful mix of tomatoes, spices, and herbs is added, simmering to create a rich sauce while the beef becomes meltingly tender. Finally, you’ll reunite the shallots with the beef for the last simmering phase. The whole process can be done in under two hours, with minimal effort yielding maximum flavor.
What you’ll need
To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 24 whole shallots, peeled
- 2 1/4 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunky pieces
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4-6 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic
- 1 can (28oz/794g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 4-6 peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 whole cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your dietary needs. For instance, you can replace beef with a plant-based substitute for a vegetarian version or use different types of onions if shallots aren’t available.
