Description
Kokkinisto is a traditional Greek beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef braised in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and oregano. This hearty and flavorful main course is perfect for slow cooking, allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce to develop deep, robust flavors. Serve it over orzo, mashed potatoes, rice, or thick pasta for a comforting meal that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Broth
- 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into large chunks
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Tomato Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Spices and Herbs
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear on all sides until browned, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavor.
- Add Tomato Base and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, ground cloves, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth or water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then cover and reduce the heat to low.
- Braise Until Tender: Let the stew gently simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick before serving. Serve the kokkinisto over orzo, mashed potatoes, rice, or thick pasta for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Serve kokkinisto over orzo, mashed potatoes, rice, or thick pasta for a complete meal.
- The dish can also be prepared using lamb or chicken instead of beef.
- For enhanced flavor, allow the kokkinisto to rest overnight; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
