Sofrito Traditional Dish of Corfu-Mediterranean Cuisine

A Traditional Dish From The Island of Corfu in Greece

Sofrito is a traditional dish from the island of Corfu in Greece. It is a delicious and hearty meal that is often served at special occasions and celebrations. The dish is made with thinly sliced beef, which is cooked slowly in a rich sauce made from garlic, onion, and white wine. The result is a tender and flavourful meat that is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.

A Delicious Beef Dish

To make sofrito, you will need high-quality beef, preferably from the tenderloin or sirloin. The beef is cut into thin slices and then coated in flour before being browned in hot oil. This step is important because it helps to seal in the flavour and keep the meat tender. Once the meat is browned, it is removed from the pan and set aside.

Slow Cooked In A Delicious Sauce

Next, you will need to make the sauce. This is where the entire flavour comes from. To start, you will need to finely chop a large onion and several cloves of garlic. These are sautéed in the same pan that the beef was cooked in until they are soft and translucent. Then, you will add a cup of dry white wine to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Simmer On Low Heat For Several Hours

Once the wine has reduced slightly, you can add the beef back into the pan along with some beef broth, tomato paste, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. The mixture is then left to simmer on low heat for several hours, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.

A Combination Of Flavours In The Sauce

One of the things that make sofrito so special is the combination of flavours in the sauce. The garlic and onion provide a savoury base, while the white wine adds a subtle sweetness. The beef broth and tomato paste give the sauce a rich and tangy flavour, while the thyme adds a hint of earthiness.

Accompanied By Thick-Cut Crispy Fries or Rice

When it comes time to serve sofrito, it is traditionally accompanied by thick-cut fries that are cooked until crispy. The fries are perfect for dipping into the rich sauce and soaking up all the delicious flavours. You can also serve sofrito with a side of rice or roasted vegetables if you prefer.

Perfect For Special Occasions And Celebrations

In conclusion, sofrito is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. It is made with high-quality beef that is cooked slowly in a rich and flavourful sauce. If you want to try making sofrito at home, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and take your time cooking the dish to ensure that the meat is tender and the sauce is full of flavour.

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.