If you know any Greeks, then you’ve probably heard of Stifado. Stifado is a traditional heart-warming Greek beef stew made with plenty of onions. This dish lends great depth of flavour and a subtle sweetness that simple makes it irresistible. In some recipes, you will find that people will make it with baby onions or regular sliced onions. However the traditional recipe calls on for pearl onions which is what gives this dish it’s unique character and sweetness.
Origins of Greek Stifado
The word stifado derives from the ancient Greek word tyfos (τύφος), which means steam. This is the root for the Latin word estufare, from which the Italian stufato (or Venetian stufado), the Italian word for stew, was born.
The dish as we know it today in Greece can be traced back to the 13th century, when the Venetians introduced it to the areas they had conquered. One of the most classic versions of stifado is made with rabbit, and it is absolutely delightful.
How to make traditional Greek beef Stifado
You will need beef cut in pieces for the stew, pearl onions, carrots, garlic, allspice, bay leaf, tomatoes, red wine, cognac, fresh and dry herbs, and aromatics like cinnamon and nutmeg. Making a traditional beef stifado is relatively easy. The only time consuming part is peeling all the tiny pearl onions. Once all the ingredients have been combined, you can “set it and forget it” for a few hours. For a delicious and tender stew, it can take anywhere from 2 – 3 hours or up to 10 hours if done within a slow cooker. The beef becomes so tender and infused with the delicious flavours, eating it becomes an event in itself. Once cooked it all comes together beautifully and you’ll thoroughly enjoy all the seasonings with each bite. There is no doubt that stifado is hearty, rich and very satisfying! Making it the perfect meal to enjoy over the colder winter months.
Serving options for Stifado
The most common accompaniment to beef stifado is orzo or risoni rice shaped pasta. You can also serve it with feta stuffed peppers and a fennel and leafy green salad. Another option is to also serve with potatoes and these are sometimes boiled within the stew. Mashed potatoes, rice and even noodles can also be a tasty side companion for this dish.
Greek Stifado from The Greek Deli
If you fancy trying Greek Stifado for yourself without having to spend hours cooking, the Greek deli has you covered. It’s the tastiest ready meal you’ll eat as it is cooked the traditional way and made in the heart of Thessaloniki. With our tasty stifado ready meal, you can simply pop your meal in the oven and have a heart warming feast within minutes. We suggest serving your tasty ready meal with a couple slices of warm toasted bread to enjoy the left over tomatoes sauce!
To order your meal, simply click here to order online form our online shop and feel free to browse our other collection of ready meals based on traditional recipes.
The Greek Deli
Visit our dedicated e-shop for delicious Greek food items available both for cooking as well as immediate consumption. The Greek Deli stocks artisanal products, including Greek juices, tsoureki, egg dyes, olive oils, wines, cheeses, and mezedes. In addition, ready meals (such as pastitsio and gemista), sweets (such as baklava and kourabiedes), and Greek coffee (Loumidis) can be found in our online shop. We even stock beloved Greek chocolates and cookies. Furthermore, brands such as Lacta, Ion, Sokofreta, and Gemista cookies, as well as an impressive selection of Greek wines. You can purchase and customise our unique Greek gift boxes, with your favourite products or pre-made. One box includes extra virgin olive oil, two bottles of wine and two jars of olive paste. Along with roasted peppers, honey, chilies, and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for sending the best of Greek tastes to a distant beloved!).
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