Discover a burst of flavors in every bite with this classic Greek recipe, Kokkinisto! A hearty and delectable stew, Kokkinisto features tender chunks of meat simmered to perfection in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Infused with a harmonious blend of herbs and spices like cinnamon and clove, this dish radiates a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will have your taste buds dancing in delight.
Enjoy it with some warm, fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Greece!
Why This Recipe Works
One of the fantastic aspects of this Kokkinisto recipe is its simplicity. You don't need to be a culinary whiz to prepare it. The ingredients are straightforward and commonly found in most pantries. Plus, the process mainly involves simmering, making it a low-maintenance, one-pot wonder. Despite its simplicity, the result is a dish of complex flavors that speaks of thoughtfulness and care in preparation. You'll appreciate how the robust, earthy spices perfectly complement the sweetness of the tomato, creating a rich, well-rounded taste that's hard to resist.
Secondly, this recipe's versatility makes it a must-try for any home cook. While it's traditionally made with beef or lamb, you can easily substitute the protein with chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences. Moreover, Kokkinisto's hearty sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides - from rustic bread to pasta or grains. This makes it a fantastic choice for a customizable family meal. Not to mention, the simmering process makes the meat incredibly tender, resulting in a comfort dish that’s both luxurious and wholesome.
Ingredients
Beef: This forms the main base of the dish. It can be substituted with lamb or pork if preferred.
Tomato Paste: It adds the rich, tangy flavor to the dish. Tomato sauce can also be used, but it may alter the taste a bit.
Red Wine: This imparts a deep flavor profile to the dish. You can use any dry red wine you prefer or substitute it with beef broth if avoiding alcohol.
Onions: They provide sweetness and depth to the kokkinisto. Shallots can be a good substitute if onions aren't available.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and enhancing flavors. Another type of cooking oil can be used, but olive oil is traditional in Greek cuisine.
Tips
- Be sure to sear the beef well on all sides for maximum flavor.
- Choose a red wine that you enjoy drinking. The flavor of the wine will come through in the final dish.
- If you find the sauce too thick, add a little beef broth or water to thin it out.
- Slow and low cooking is the key to tender beef.
- Feel free to add in other spices or herbs of your choice to customize the flavor.
How to Serve
Kokkinisto is a hearty Greek dish and its versatility makes it easy to pair with a variety of side dishes. The rich tomato-based sauce works well with a host of sides that can soak up all the delicious flavors.
- With Pasta: Traditionally, it's often served with pasta. Choose any pasta shape you prefer, but spaghetti or penne works particularly well.
- With Bread: A crusty loaf of bread is great for mopping up the scrumptious sauce.
- With Rice or Potatoes: For a filling meal, serve it alongside steamed rice or roasted potatoes.
Similar Recipes
Beef Stroganoff without Sour Cream
Kokkinisto
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds stewing beef
- ½ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 medium onions chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in the red wine. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by half.
- Lower the heat, cover the pot and let it cook for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Nutrition
Notes
- Be sure to sear the beef well on all sides for maximum flavor.
- Choose a red wine that you enjoy drinking. The flavor of the wine will come through in the final dish.
- If you find the sauce too thick, add a little beef broth or water to thin it out.
- Slow and low cooking is the key to tender beef.
- Feel free to add in other spices or herbs of your choice to customize the flavor.