Sofrito Traditional Dish of Corfu-Mediterranean Cuisine

A Traditional Dish From The Island of Corfu in Greece

Sofrito, a traditional dish from the island of Corfu in Greece, is a delicious and hearty meal often served during special occasions and celebrations. To prepare this flavourful dish, you will need high-quality beef, preferably from the tenderloin or sirloin. First, cut the beef into thin slices and coat them in flour. Then, brown the slices in hot oil to seal in the flavour and keep the meat tender. After browning, set the meat aside.

A Delicious Beef Dish

Next, you will prepare the sauce, which is the heart of the dish. Start by finely chopping a large onion and several cloves of garlic. Sauté these in the same pan used for the beef until they become soft and translucent. Then, add a cup of dry white wine to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. As the wine reduces slightly, return the beef to the pan along with some beef broth, tomato paste, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for several hours until the meat becomes tender and the sauce thickens.

Slow Cooked In A Delicious Sauce

One of the standout features of sofrito is the combination of flavours in the sauce. The garlic and onion create a savoury base, while the white wine introduces a subtle sweetness. Additionally, the beef broth and tomato paste contribute a rich and tangy flavour, and the thyme adds an earthy note.

Simmer On Low Heat For Several Hours

Once the wine has reduced slightly, add the beef back into the pan. Next, pour in some beef broth. Then, stir in the tomato paste. After that, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for several hours. Wait until the meat becomes tender. Also, make sure the sauce thickens.

Accompanied By Thick-Cut Crispy Fries or Rice

When serving sofrito, tradition calls for thick-cut fries cooked until crispy. These fries are ideal for dipping into the rich sauce and soaking up all the delicious flavours. Alternatively, you can serve sofrito with a side of rice or roasted vegetables if you prefer.

Perfect For Special Occasions And Celebrations

In conclusion, sofrito is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for special occasions and celebrations. By using high-quality ingredients and taking your time to cook the dish slowly, you can ensure the meat is tender and the sauce is bursting with flavour. Therefore, if you want to try making sofrito at home, follow these steps carefully to achieve the best results.

How to Make Sofrito

Ingredients:

1 kg beef, cut into cubes
2 cups white wine
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions:

Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
Add the garlic and onion and sauté until soft.
Add the tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Pour in the white wine and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Add the chopped parsley and stir.
Serve hot with rice or pasta.
Enjoy your delicious Sofrito dish from Corfu!

Recommended Wine for Sofrito Dish of Corfu

A sofrito dish from Corfu typically features thinly sliced beef cooked in garlic, white wine, and parsley sauce. It’s a flavourful and delicate dish with a bright yet earthy character, and the wine pairing should complement these flavours without overpowering them. Here are some recommendations:

White Wines

Assyrtiko (Santorini)

A crisp, mineral-driven Greek white wine with citrus notes that cut through the richness of the sofrito’s sauce.

Moschofilero

This aromatic Greek white wine has floral and citrus notes, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the garlic and parsley.

Red Wines

Xinomavro (Naoussa)

A medium-bodied Greek red wine with high acidity and flavours of red fruits, herbs, and a touch of earthiness, which matches well with the savoury beef and sauce.