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Traditional Greek Stifado: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef or rabbit, cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 45 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 large tomatoes, chopped or 1 can of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups red wine (preferably dry)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 23 small cinnamon sticks
  • 45 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon allspice
  • 12 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 cups pearl onions (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Creating Traditional Greek Stifado can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

  1. Marinate the Meat: In a large bowl, mix the meat with red wine, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for better flavors.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Brown the Meat: Remove the meat from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and pat it dry with paper towels. Brown the meat in the pot in batches, ensuring a nice sear on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In the same pot, add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes. Pour in the reserved marinade, then add the browned meat back into the pot.
  6. Add Spices: Toss in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and bay leaves, and stir well to combine.
  7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add Pearl Onions: If using pearl onions, add them to the pot about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Check for Doneness: The meat should be tender and the sauce thickened. If too thick, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Following these instructions will lead you to a plate of Traditional Greek Stifado that is both hearty and comforting.

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