Description
Dive into the comforting flavors of Giouvetsi, a classic Greek beef stew simmered to tender perfection with fragrant spices and hearty orzo pasta. This one-pot wonder blends rich tomato sauce, aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, and savory beef, finished with a generous sprinkle of Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners that warm the soul. #GreekCuisine #Giouvetsi #BeefStew #ComfortFood
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1½ lb diced beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup (100 ml) red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
- 2 cups (400 g) orzo
- ½ cup (40 g) grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the red wine and simmer until reduced by half. Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes.
- Add nutmeg, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, browned beef, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Stir in orzo and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- Substitute beef with lamb for a traditional Greek twist.
- Kefalotyri cheese is traditional, but Parmesan works well as a substitute.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg