Beef and Onion Stew (Stifado)

A traditional Greek Beef and Onion Stew makes a comforting cold-weather meal.

Stifado

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (2 pound) boneless beef chuck, tip or round, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely-ground pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 pounds pearl onions, peeled
  • Crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook and stir chopped onion and garlic in oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until onion is tender; remove with slotted spoon.
  2. Cook beef in remaining oil, stirring frequently, until all liquid is evaporated and beef is brown on all sides, about 25 minutes; drain fat.
  3. Return onion and garlic to Dutch oven. Stir in remaining ingredients except onions and cheese. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  4. Add white onions. Cover and simmer until beef and white onions are tender, about 30 minutes.
  5. Remove bay leaf and cinnamon. Garnish with feta cheese, if desired.