This dish is called ” sofigado lefkaditiko” which means beef with onions in the pot. It is a traditional dish from Lefkada, an island situated in the Ionian Sea. It is really juicy and very sweet because of the onions. It is perfect for Sunday’s family gatherings!
Serves: 6 Prep. time: 30′ Cooks in: 1:50′ Ready in: 2:20′
Ingredients
1½ kg beef, cubed
2 large red onions, finely chopped
1 kg shallots, peeled
1 cup grape molasses
5-6 quinces, peeled, quartered
1 head of garlic, in cloves
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 very small sprig fresh rosemary (or less) or 1 cinnamon stick + 2-3 cloves
salt, pepper
Method
Step 1
In a large pan heat oil on high heat and brown meat in batches. Transfer in a bowl. In the same pan cook chopped onions for 1΄ or until translucent, adding extra oil if necessary. Add garlic and shallots and cook for a couple of minutes until colored and fragrant. Pour in vinegar, add rosemary or cinnamon and cloves and allow it to evaporate.
Step 2
Dissolve grape mollasses in a the lukewarm water and add in the pan. Season with salt and pepper and simmer on low heat with lid on, until beef and onions are really tender. Move the pan around to prevent meat and onions from burning. Do not stir. Add extra hot water if necessary during cooking.
Step 3
Add quinces in the pan 20΄ before removing pan from heat. Serve immediately with potatoes if you wish.
Photo: George Drakopoulos – Food styling: Τina Webb
Και η συνταγή στα ελληνικά: Σοφιγάδο λευκαδίτικο
