Greek Beef Stifado (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
02 - ¼ cup olive oil
03 - 15-20 shallots, peeled
04 - 6 ounces tomato paste
05 - 1 cup dry red wine
06 - 2 cups low sodium beef broth
07 - 5 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices and Seasonings

08 - 1 cinnamon stick
09 - 5 whole cloves
10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - ½ teaspoon ground allspice
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
14 - Salt and pepper to taste
15 - Fresh parsley for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches. Set the browned beef aside.
02 - In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and the shallots. Sauté them until they start to soften and take on a golden hue.
03 - Return the beef to the pot. Add the tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, minced garlic, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground allspice and sugar. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
04 - Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

# Notes:

01 - Brown the beef in batches to ensure proper caramelization
02 - Add more beef broth during cooking if stew becomes too thick
03 - Flavors improve if made a day ahead
04 - Best served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf