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Pastitsada

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Pastitsada is a hearty Greek dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. Served over pasta or with crusty bread, it’s the perfect comfort food for family meals or special gatherings.

Ingredients

  1. 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck roast or braising beef), cut into chunks
  2. 1/4 cup olive oil
  3. 1 large onion, finely chopped
  4. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  7. 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  8. 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  9. 2 bay leaves
  10. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  11. 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  12. 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  13. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  14. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  15. 1 cup beef broth or water
  16. 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  17. 1 lb pasta (preferably bucatini or pappardelle)
  18. Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  19. Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches on all sides. Remove and set aside.

  1. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the same pot, cooking until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaves. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute.
  3. Deglaze the pot with red wine vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth (or water), and sugar (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until beef is tender and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if necessary.
  6. While the beef simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Serve the beef and sauce over the cooked pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • For a different flavor, substitute beef with chicken thighs or lamb. Chicken will require less cooking time (about 1 hour).
  • For a vegetarian version, use hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms, cooking them in the same sauce.
  • Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili for a spicy variation.
  • Serve with rice, couscous, or crusty bread instead of pasta for a variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pastitsada/