Delicious and Hearty Greek Beef Stew (Kokkinisto) with Parsnip Mash
If you love Greek cuisine, you must try kokkinisto, a delicious Greek beef stew. Traditionally served with a variety of sides, this recipe pairs it with a creamy parsnip mash, adding a unique twist to the classic dish. This combination is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients (Serves a Family of 4)
For the Beef Stew:
- 4-5 beef blade steaks with bone in, or 1 kg chuck steaks
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 400g crushed tomatoes
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water (more if needed)
For the Parsnip Mash:
- 3 large parsnips, cored and chopped
- 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Beef Stew
1. Sear the Beef: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear and brown the beef on all sides, then set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:In the same pot, add another drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze:Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spices:Stir in the tomato paste, then add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, oregano, cinnamon stick, ground cinnamon, and allspice. Mix well.
5. Simmer: Return the beef to the pot, add 2 cups of water, and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid.
- Oven Method: If using a Dutch oven, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and cook for 1.5-2 hours.
- Stovetop Method:Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5-2 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if necessary.
Preparing the Parsnip Mash
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pot, heat 5 Tbsp of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2 minutes.
2. Cook Parsnips:Add the chopped parsnips and sauté for another 2 minutes. Pour in enough water to cover the parsnips, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the parsnips are soft.
3. Blend: Transfer the cooked parsnips to a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving
- Plate the creamy parsnip mash and generously ladle the beef stew over it.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and sprinkle with plenty of mizithra or kefalogaviera cheese for an authentic Greek touch.
Tips
- Ensure the beef is tender by allowing it to cook slowly.
- Adjust spices and seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Greek beef stew with parsnip mash, perfect for a cozy family dinner!