Greek Beef Stew with Orzo (Giouvetsi) (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
02 -
1 1/2 lb diced beef
03 -
1 large onion, diced
04 -
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
05 -
1/2 cup (100 ml) red wine
06 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 -
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
08 -
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 -
2 bay leaves
10 -
1 cinnamon stick
11 -
2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
12 -
2 cups (400 g) orzo
13 -
1/2 cup (40 g) grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot such as a Dutch oven and add the diced beef when the oil is hot. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook for 8-10 minutes over medium heat until the meat is browned on all parts. You may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your pot, to avoid overcrowding.
02 -
When the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
03 -
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot together with the onion and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
04 -
Pour the red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the liquid mostly evaporates.
05 -
Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes together with the nutmeg, bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
06 -
Pour the chicken broth and stir well to combine. Add the cooked beef back to the pot and bring to a boil.
07 -
Lower the heat, cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 45 minutes.
08 -
Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
09 -
Stir in orzo and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Make sure you stir constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add some extra chicken stock if it looks too dry.
10 -
Stir in the grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan and adjust the seasoning.
11 -
Serve hot with some extra grated cheese on top if you like.
# Notes:
01 -
Giouvetsi is traditionally cooked in a clay pot, but any heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works well.
02 -
If you can't find Kefalotyri cheese, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano make good substitutes.
03 -
The dish can also be made with lamb or chicken instead of beef.