Sofigado - Beef and Quince Stew
Ruth Bardis’ Sofigado (Beef and Quince Stew)
Cookbook author, Ruth Bardis https://www.instagram.com/greekfoodphotography, shares with us her recipe for Sofigado – a delicious, aromatic beef stew with sweet petimezi (grape must) and ever-so-slightly tart quince, that balances the richness of the beautiful gravy!
This dish comes from the Ionian Islands, whose cuisine has been influenced by centuries of Venetian occupation. This particular Sofigado recipe comes from Ruth’s new book, ‘Beyond the Greek Salad’ Regional Foods from all Around Greece.
I was so excited to own this book, a celebration of unique and lesser-known dishes.
Click here for “how to” on Instagram highlights.
Ruth Bardis' Sofigado
A delicious, aromatic beef stew with sweet petimezi (grape must) and ever-so-slightly tart quince, that balances the richness of the beautiful gravy!
Ingredients
• ¾ cup EVOO, divided
• 1 kg beef (blade), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium brown onions, diced
• 2 cups tomato puree
• 3 sprigs of rosemary
• 5 peppercorns
• 3 allspice berries (pimento)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 kg quinces, peeled and cut into quarters or eighths
• 150 ml petimezi (grape must)
• Water
Instructions
Preparing the meat
o In a large, heavy-based pot, heat ½ cup EVOO
o Add the meat, browning on both sides – do this in batches so as not to crowd the pot, otherwise, the meat will boil and not brown sufficiently
o Place all the browned meat back into the pot, add the onions, and sauté until soft – about 5 minutes
o Add the tomato puree, rosemary, peppercorns, allspice, salt and pepper
o Ensure the liquid is covering the meat, if not, add more water
o Allow the meat to simmer on low for 50 minutes
Preparing the quinces
o In a separate sauté pan, heat the remaining ¼ cup EVOO
o Add the quinces and cook for 5 minutes – till they brown and soften a little
o Stir together the grape must and half a cup of water; pour this over the quinces; cover and cook for a further 5 minutes.
o Add the quince pieces and all their juices to the pot with the simmering beef, gently combine
o Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for an additional 25minutes or until the meat is falling apart, the quinces are soft, and the sauce has thickened.
Serving the sofigado
o Serve with mashed or fried potatoes
Kali Orexi!
