Authentic Greek Stefado: Savory Beef Stew with Pearl Onions
Indulge in the rich flavors of Authentic Greek Stefado, a hearty beef stew that celebrates the essence of traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Tender chunks of chuck roast are slowly simmered to perfection, infusing the dish with a robust depth of flavor enhanced by caramelized white pearl onions, aromatic spices, and a splash of red wine. This delightful stew is a true comfort food, perfect for gatherings or family dinners, and is best served over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every delicious drop. Embrace the warmth of Greek hospitality with every bite of this luscious stew that melds sweet, savory, and mildly spiced notes in a truly unforgettable way.
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
chuck roast
3 lbs (cut into chunks)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (for browning the beef)
white sugar
1 teaspoon (to caramelize the onions)
white pearl onions
2 cups (peeled)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (added to the stew)
red wine
1/2 cup (for flavor enhancement)
red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (for acidity)
garlic
3 cloves (chopped)
dill seed
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
bay leaf
1 (for flavoring)
cinnamon stick
1 small (for aromatic spice)
crushed dried rosemary
3/4 teaspoon (for herbaceous flavor)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, browning them evenly on all sides for about 5-7 minutes each. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
2
Sprinkle the white sugar into the pot with the leftover drippings and stir well, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Add the peeled pearl onions and sauté until they are golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions. Add the tomato paste, red wine, red wine vinegar, chopped garlic, dill seed, and crushed rosemary. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
4
Place the bay leaf and cinnamon stick into a spice bag made from cheesecloth (or simply add them directly to the pot, keeping in mind to remove them later).
5
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Check occasionally and add about 1 cup of water halfway through cooking if necessary to keep the stew moist.
6
Once cooked, taste and season the stew with salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve hot over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
22g
Carbs
32g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Greek Stefado?
Authentic Greek Stefado is a traditional savory beef stew characterized by its slow-cooked beef chuck roast, caramelized pearl onions, and a rich sauce made with red wine, vinegar, and aromatic spices.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 3 lbs of chuck roast cut into chunks for the most tender results after slow simmering.
How long does it take to cook the beef stew?
The beef should simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours on low heat until it becomes tender.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A teaspoon of white sugar is used to help caramelize the pearl onions and balance the acidity of the vinegar and tomato paste.
How many pearl onions are needed?
You will need 2 cups of peeled white pearl onions for this recipe.
What type of wine is used in Stefado?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of red wine to enhance the depth of flavor in the stew.
What are the serving suggestions for Greek Stefado?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
What spices give this stew its aromatic flavor?
The signature aromatics include a cinnamon stick, a bay leaf, dill seed, and crushed dried rosemary.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, Stefado is typically prepared in a single large Dutch oven, making it a convenient one-pot meal.
What is the purpose of red wine vinegar in this dish?
Red wine vinegar provides acidity that helps tenderize the meat and balances the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
How much protein does a serving of Stefado provide?
Each serving provides about 32g of protein.
Can I add water during the cooking process?
Yes, if the stew looks dry, you can add about 1 cup of water halfway through the simmering process to keep it moist.
How should the beef be prepared before simmering?
The beef cubes should be browned evenly on all sides in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes before adding other ingredients.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of chopped garlic.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this beef stew?
There is 19g of fat per serving.
Do I need to use a spice bag for the aromatics?
It is recommended to place the bay leaf and cinnamon stick in a cheesecloth spice bag for easy removal, though you can also add them directly to the pot.
What kind of oil should be used for browning?
Four tablespoons of olive oil are used to brown the beef and sauté the onions.
What type of tomato product is used?
One 6-ounce can of tomato paste is added to create a rich, thick base for the stew.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
The pearl onions should be sautéed until they are golden brown, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including seasonings like salt and pepper.
What is the first step in making Stefado?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven and brown the beef cubes in batches.
Is rosemary used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies 3/4 teaspoon of crushed dried rosemary.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While traditional Stefado uses pearl onions for their sweetness and size, they are a defining characteristic of the dish.
Should the stew be covered while simmering?
Yes, you should cover the pot and reduce the heat to low for the 2-3 hour simmering period.
How much dill seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dill seed.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a hearty comfort food perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
When should I season with salt and pepper?
You should taste and season the stew with salt and pepper according to your preference once it has finished cooking.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber information?
The provided data shows the fiber content is null or not specified for this recipe.