Succulent Greek Stifado with Mushrooms and Cinnamon

A traditional Greek stew infused with warm spices and hearty vegetables.

Experience the rich flavors of Greece with this comforting stew, where tender beef meets earthy mushrooms and sweet cinnamon.

3 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1 kg beef chuck

cut into cubes

2 cups red wine

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 large onion

sliced

3 cloves garlic

crushed

For the Stew

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion

chopped

2 cups button mushrooms

halved

2 large tomatoes

chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon ground allspice

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Accompaniments

Fresh bread

for serving

Greek salad

with feta, olives, and cucumber

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine beef cubes with red wine, bay leaves, peppercorns, onion slices, and garlic.

Refrigerate overnight

Cover and refrigerate overnight to marinate.

Prepare beef

Remove beef from marinade and pat dry. Reserve marinade for later use.

Preparing the Vegetables

Heat olive oil

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté onion

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Cook mushrooms

Stir in mushrooms and cook until they start to brown.

Do not overcrowd the mushrooms; cook in batches if necessary.

Cooking Process

Browning the Beef

Heat a pan and sear dried beef until browned on all sides; remove and set aside.

Timing: 15 min. Use high heat.

Building the Stew

In the same pot, add tomatoes and tomato paste; cook until softened. Add cinnamon stick, ground allspice, and reserved marinade.

Use fresh cinnamon sticks for a more pronounced flavor.

Simmering

Return beef to pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook covered for 2 to 3 hours until tender.

Simmer for 3 hours on low heat.

Plating & Serving

Succulent Greek Stifado with Mushrooms and Cinnamon

FaUtensils

Plating & Serving

Serve hot in bowls alongside fresh bread and a vibrant Greek salad.

Sauce Pairings

Tomato Sauce

Rich and flavorful reduction from the stew

Olive Oil Drizzle

A touch of Mediterranean flair

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Fresh parsley, choppedGrated lemon zest

Perfect Sides

Greek salad — with feta, olives, and cucumber

Fresh crusty bread — ideal for soaking up the stew juices