Greek-style Braised Beef in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Return the beef to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, bay leaves, and ground cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and remove the bay leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For the best results, choose a cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat to ensure a leaner dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef cubes in olive oil, garlic, and oregano for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Kokkinisto hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Accompany it with a side of orzo pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Kokkinisto to a large serving dish and sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Serve it family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves and savor the enticing aroma.