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Cook the Best Giouvetsi: A Hearty Greek Beef Stew Recipe

Giouvetsi 8 Ingredients Ultimate Delicious

Giouvetsi, a beloved Greek dish, is a comforting and flavorful beef stew that combines tender meat, tomatoes, and fragrant spices with the delightful texture of orzo pasta. This one-pot wonder is a true taste of traditional Greek cuisine, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pound diced beef (chuck or shoulder)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 28 ounce crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1/2 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1. Heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the diced beef with salt and pepper, then brown the meat in batches, ensuring a nice sear on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.

2. 2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sauté the diced onion until it’s soft and translucent, then add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. 3. Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

4. 4. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, nutmeg, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and chicken stock. Return the browned beef to the pot and give everything a good stir.

5. 5. Cover the pot and let the Giouvetsi simmer on low heat for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

6. 6. Once the beef is tender, stir in the orzo and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

7. 7. Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Taste the Giouvetsi and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

Using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving an authentic and mouthwatering Giouvetsi. While some substitutions may be possible, sticking to the traditional Greek flavors is key to capturing the true essence of this beloved dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Giouvetsi, Greek Beef Stew, Orzo