This traditional Greek Stefado is a comforting, slow-simmered beef stew that balances tender chunks of meat with the sharp bite of garlic and the sweetness of pearl onions. The sauce, enriched with tomato paste, dry white wine, and a splash of red wine vinegar, creates a rich, aromatic base that clings beautifully to the beef. Finished with crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a delightful contrast of creamy, crunchy, and herbaceous textures. It is an ideal main course for family dinners or cozy winter gatherings.
Stefado of Beef and Garlic
Description
This traditional Greek Stefado is a comforting, slow-simmered beef stew that balances tender chunks of meat with the sharp bite of garlic and the sweetness of pearl onions. The sauce, enriched with tomato paste, dry white wine, and a splash of red wine vinegar, creates a rich, aromatic base that clings beautifully to the beef. Finished with crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a delightful contrast of creamy, crunchy, and herbaceous textures. It is an ideal main course for family dinners or cozy winter gatherings.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177°C).
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Parboil the pearl onions and garlic cloves, then peel them.
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In a heavy, oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine the beef, sugar, tomato paste, dry white wine, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, pearl onions, garlic, bay leaf, oregano, cinnamon, cumin, and half of the fresh parsley.
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Cover the pot tightly and place it in the oven.
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Bake for 1 1/2 hours or more, until the meat is very tender. Lower the oven temperature during cooking to ensure the contents remain at a gentle simmer rather than a boil.
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Remove from oven and skim off any excess fat from the surface.
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Ladle the stew into a deep serving platter.
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Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and the remaining fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The sauce should remain rather thin; do not boil it down excessively.
If using a stovetop-only pot, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe Dutch oven before baking.
Serve warm with crusty bread or rice to accompany the sauce.
