| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hrs 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 475 | 22g | 8g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 40g | 1.2g |
“There’s an age-old adage that says the secret to a good stew is time, but I think there’s a bit more to it than that. One of my favorite and endlessly rewarding recipes is a Greek Beef Stew with Oregano and Cinnamon. It’s not only about the time you let those flavors marry, but also about the love you put in each stir and every bite you take.”
The Memories in The Meal
Even though my culinary journey was largely influenced by my Italian lineage, various other cuisines found their way into my kitchen, Greek cuisine being one of them. This particular stew reminds me of a trip to Greece I took many years ago. It vividly brings back the smell of oregano and cinnamon wafting through the open windows of local tavernas. It’s a kind of culinary postcard that sends your senses into the heart of a Greek kitchen.
A Healthful Harmonious Dish
This dish not only delights the senses but also helps in maintaining a balanced diet. The lean cuts of beef provide an excellent source of protein while the variety of vegetables amp up the fiber content. Ion addition, the antioxidants and vitamin C in the oranges are a boon to your immune system. And don’t forget the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a soul-satisfying meal that looks after your health too.
The Greek Beef Stew with Oregano and Cinnamon is reminiscent of other Mediterranean stews and pairs well with fresh salads or a slice of rustic bread to soak up the stew’s robust and comforting sauce. If you’re looking for a spot-on beverage to complement this dish, the boldness of a Greek red wine would provide a beautiful symphony of flavors.
If you’re preparing food just goes further than filling up the stomach, if it’s about recreating travel experiences or relishing family traditions to you, then this recipe is something you might want to try. It’s one of those meals that’ll get the family together around the table sharing stories and laughter. And isn’t that what the joy of cooking is all about?
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- Fresh oregano for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or dutch oven. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Return the beef to the pot. Add the red wine, canned tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step Four
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the stew to cook for about 2 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the stew does not burn and add water if necessary.
Step Five
After 2 hours, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Continue to let the stew simmer until the potatoes and carrots are tender, about 40 minutes.
Step Six
Lastly, add the orange segments to the stew and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step Seven
Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the stew into serving bowls, garnish with fresh oregano if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your Greek Beef Stew with Oregano and Cinnamon!
