Description
A rich and comforting Greek beef stew slowly braised with pearl onions, tomatoes, and warm spices for deep, aromatic flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef chuck, cut into large cubes
- 500 g (1 lb) pearl onions, peeled
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 240 ml (1 cup) dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 whole clove
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed
- Fresh parsley (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Blanch the pearl onions by boiling them for 1 minute, then drain and peel. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine and red wine vinegar, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and clove. Return the beef to the pot.
- Add enough water to barely cover the meat. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour.
- Add the pearl onions and continue simmering uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Remove the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and clove. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute beef chuck with stewing beef or lamb for variation.
- If pearl onions are unavailable, use shallots cut into halves.
- The stew tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or orzo for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
