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Cypriot Stifado a Traditional and Hearty Dish
Cypriot Stifado is a traditional and hearty dish, deeply rooted in the island’s culinary history. It’s a flavourful stew, commonly made with beef, pork, rabbit or octopus, slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a generous mix of spices and aromatics. What sets Cypriot Stifado apart from other stews is the use of copious amounts of small, pearl onions and the infusion of red wine, cinnamon, and vinegar, which create a unique and rich taste profile.
Preparation
The dish begins with the meat being marinated, often overnight, in red wine, vinegar, bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon. This marinade not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with an earthy, slightly tangy flavour. After marination, the meat is seared to lock in the juices and is then slow-cooked with onions and tomatoes, which break down into a thick, flavourful sauce over time.
The choice of onions is crucial to a good Stifado. Pearl onions, small and sweet, are used in large quantities. These onions, along with garlic, are caramelized before being added to the stew, bringing out their sweetness and balancing the tangy notes from the vinegar and tomatoes.
The seasoning is what gives Stifado its distinct flavour. The dish is generously spiced with
cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, creating a warm and aromatic profile. Red wine adds depth, while the vinegar brings a sharpness that contrasts with the sweetness of the onions and tomatoes.
Stifado is Slow-Cooked for Hours
Traditionally, Stifado is slow-cooked for hours, allowing the flavours to meld and the meat to become tender and juicy. It is typically served with crusty bread or bulgur wheat, ideal for soaking up the rich sauce. Some versions also include potatoes or carrots for added heartiness.
A Dish That Reflects the Island’s Blend of Mediterranean Flavours
Cypriot Stifado is more than just a stew; it’s a dish that reflects the island’s blend of Mediterranean flavours and its long culinary traditions. It’s comforting, aromatic, and bursting with layers of flavour, making it a beloved staple in Cypriot homes.
Traditional Cypriot Stifado Recipe
Ingredients:
1 kg beef, rabbit, or pork (cut into cubes)
1 kg small pearl onions (peeled)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes or 2-3 fresh ripe tomatoes (chopped)
150 ml red wine
50 ml red wine vinegar
2-3 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
Water or beef stock (as needed)
Instructions:
Marinate the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the meat with red wine, vinegar, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate.
Prepare the Onions: Peel the pearl onions and set them aside.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until they start to caramelize and turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Brown the Meat: Remove the meat from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and pat it dry with a paper towel.
In the same pot, heat a bit more olive oil and brown the meat on all sides to seal in the juices. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Build the Stew: Add the garlic to the pot and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Return the browned meat and onions to the pot.
Add the chopped tomatoes, reserved marinade, and enough water or beef stock to just cover the ingredients.
Stir in the ground allspice and sugar (if using).
Simmer: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally, making sure the meat becomes tender and the sauce thickens.
If the stew gets too thick, you can add a bit more water or stock.
Serve:
Once the meat is tender and the flavours have melded, remove from heat.
Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or bulgur wheat to soak up the rich sauce.
Enjoy this traditional Cypriot Stifado, a warm and comforting dish full of Mediterranean flavours!
