As a Greek food aficionado, I adore a hearty bowl of beef stifado – that rich, tomato-based stew studded with tender chunks of beef. But choosing the right side dishes to accompany stifado can truly elevate the dining experience.
In this article, I’ll recommend 12 of my favorite pairings to serve with beef stifado, from Mediterranean classics to fresh green sides and palate-pleasing desserts. With this guide, you’ll be able to create a symphony of flavors that does justice to the iconic Greek stew. Let’s get started!
An Overview of Beef Stifado
Before diving into side dish options, let’s do a quick rundown on stifado itself. This hearty Greek stew features pieces of beef braised in onions, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, spices, and herbs until fork-tender and smothered in a luscious sauce
Traditionally made with chuck steak, stifado requires lengthy simmering to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves partner with the sweetness of caramelized onions, creating rich depth of flavor It’s pure comfort food bliss!
1. Orzo Pasta
A classic pairing, orzo pasta is commonly served alongside beef stifado in Greece. The small rice-shaped pasta is perfect for absorbing the rich tomato sauce. Toss it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of feta or Parmesan cheese for a simple yet satisfying accompaniment.
2. Hilopites Pasta
Similar to orzo, hilopites is a short egg noodle pasta that makes an excellent match for stifado. It holds up well against the thick sauce. For added richness, I suggest cooking the hilopites in chicken or beef broth.
3. Greek Pilaf
This fluffy rice dish scented with lemon juice, onions, and herbs provides a pleasant contrast to the heartiness of stifado. The bright, zesty flavors balance the stew’s richness. For a pretty presentation, serve the pilaf stuffed inside roasted tomatoes or peppers.
4. Crusty Bread
You can never go wrong with freshly baked crusty bread alongside Greek stews. Tear off pieces to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. I recommend a loaf studded with olives, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.
5. Spanakorizo
A combination of spinach, rice, onions, and dill, spanakorizo makes a nutrient-packed pairing. The earthy spinach and herbaceous dill play off the warming spices in the stifado beautifully.
6. Greek Salad
Cool and crunchy, a traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta cheese provides fresh contrast to hot and saucy stifado. Make it more hearty by adding chickpeas, roasted potatoes, or seared halloumi cheese.
7. Tzatziki
This garlicky yogurt dip served alongside stifado cools your mouth with its tangy creaminess. I suggest topping the stew with a dollop of tzatziki or offering it on the side for dipping crusty bread into.
8. Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, carrots, and potatoes caramelize beautifully. Their subtle sweetness and tender texture completes a stifado dinner. Infuse them with Greek flavors by adding oregano, lemon, and olive oil.
9. Braised Greens
For a pop of color, pair stifado with braised greens like spinach, chard, kale, or broccoli rabe. Sauté them in olive oil and garlic, then splash in some lemon juice and chicken broth to create a flavorful side.
10. Fasolakia
These traditional green beans braised with tomatoes, onions, and herbs make a vibrant vegetable accompaniment. I recommend using slender haricots verts or romano beans to mimic authentic Greek fasolakia.
11. Hilopites Pasta
Soak up every last bit of irresistible stifado sauce with this short egg noodle pasta. For added richness, I suggest cooking the hilopites in a broth mixture of beef stock and red wine. Shower with feta or kefalotyri cheese.
12. Galaktoboureko
The rich, sweet custard filling of this Greek dessert is perfectly offset by the crispy, syrup-soaked phyllo layers. It’s a satisfying way to end an indulgent stifado dinner on a sweet note.
With so many delicious options, from Mediterranean favorites to fresh vegetables and sweet treats, you can create an unforgettable meal around beef stifado. I hope these pairing suggestions inspire you to think beyond just orzo or pilaf as accompaniments.
The key is selecting sides that harmonize with the warming spices, savory tomatoes, and tender beef. Go ahead – experiment with new flavor combinations and garnishes to take your Greek stew dinner to the next level of amazing!
Here is some more information related to beef stifado that may be useful for your blog:
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The history and origins of stifado in Greece. How it evolved from a basic peasant dish to a beloved stew.
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Regional variations on stifado around Greece and the Mediterranean. Differences in meat, spices, vegetables, etc.
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Step-by-step instructions for making perfect beef stifado at home. Tips for selecting the right cut of meat, building flavor, and achieving a tender texture.
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Greek wine pairings for stifado. Recommendations of varietals, regions, and producers that complement the flavors.
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Other variations like lamb, rabbit, or seafood stifado. How the recipe changes with different proteins.
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Vegetarian/vegan versions using mushrooms, eggplant, jackfruit. Ideas for plant-based takes on the iconic stew.
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Meal planning tips around stifado. Complete menus and ideas for appetizers, side dishes, salads, and desserts.
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Freezing and reheating stifado. How to store leftovers properly and reheat for perfect flavor and texture.
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Common mistakes and how to troubleshoot problems like tough meat, bland flavor, or greasy sauce.
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The health benefits of ingredients like tomatoes, spices, olive oil, onions, etc. Ways stifado delivers nutrition.
Greek-Style Beef Stew – How to Make an Amazing “Stifado” – Food Wishes
FAQ
What does stifado mean in Greek?
What wine goes with beef stifado?
What bread to serve with beef stew?
What to serve with stifado?
Warm it up gently and enjoy it with the side dish of your choice. The classic combination for stifado is orzo, which is served plain or simmered in a light tomato sauce. You can also serve it over thick Greek egg noodles (hilopites), fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or even Greek oven fries.
What to eat with beef stifado?
If you love Mediterranean cuisine, it’s a brilliant side dish to have in your personal recipe collection. It’s perfect with beef stifado, though it’s also delicious when served with a wide variety of grilled meats and fish. I like to make an extra portion and use it up the next day with some grilled prawns and a Greek salad.
How to cook beef stifado?
Pour the meat along with its juices to the saucepan, add the tomato paste and sauté. Add the chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, allspice berries, nutmeg and a bit of water until the meat is covered. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down and simmer the beef stifado with a lid on for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
What is beef stifado?
Beef Stifado or Stifatho is a wonderful Greek dish. A rich beef stew is cooked with whole onions and potatoes. This is the ultimate easy but rewarding beef stew. Whole onions, potatoes are cooked in a pot (or a slow or pressure cooker) and it is a wonderful one pot meal. This is a pushy recipe Dear Reader!