Aliki Petrakis shares a collection of inspired recipes from her Greek family and simple dishes for the everyday mom.
Beef Stew
1. Cube and season 2lbs of beef with salt, pepper, 1/2 a teaspoon of oregano, and 2 tablespoons of flour
2. To a pot set over medium high heat, sear the beef in olive oil until brown on each side. Then remove and set aside
3. To the same pot add a knob of unsalted butter and sauté 1 diced onion until starting to soften over medium heat
4. Then add 3 minced cloves of garlic and cook for a minute
5. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of tomato paste and cook another 1-2 minutes
6. Deglaze with 1/2 a cup of red wine and allow to reduce slightly
7. Add 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil
8. Return the beef to the pot along with 2 bay leaves, 1 sprig of fresh thyme, a cinnamon stick, and 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
9. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 1 hour
10. Add 3 diced potatoes and 2 large carrots and continue cooking on medium-low heat for an additional 45 minutes or until tender.
11. Optional to remove lid for 10 minutes to thicken slightly but don't worry it will thicken as it sets 12. And enjoy!