Description
A rich and comforting Greek beef and onion stew slow-simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce with warm spices. Tender beef and sweet pearl onions create a deeply satisfying traditional dish.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 kg beef chuck, cut into large cubes
500 g pearl onions, peeled
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
240 ml beef broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
400 g crushed tomatoes
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1 whole clove
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Water as needed
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the pearl onions for about 1 minute. Drain, peel, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook briefly.
- Add the beef broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits.
- Stir in the 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 about 1 hour.
- Add the pearl onions and continue simmering uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Remove the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and clove. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Beef chuck works best for tender results, but stewing beef or lamb can be used.
Add a splash of red wine with the broth for deeper flavor.
Let the stew simmer longer uncovered for a thicker, richer sauce.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 135 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
