Discover the rich flavors of Corfu with pastitsada delight
At first glance, a dish may seem Italian, but Greeks would quickly take offense at such an assumption. While on vacation, it's worth trying not just kofta, Greek salad, or tzatziki but also pastitsada. It tastes so good that you won't regret this choice, and you can easily recreate the dish at home, even with American ingredients.
Pastitsada is one of the most distinctive dishes of Greek cuisine, particularly from the island of Corfu. It's usually made with beef, though some enthusiasts prefer veal or poultry. The meat is simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and pepper. The dish is served with pasta, typically bucatini, and is so flavorful that you'll find yourself dreaming of another serving as soon as you finish it.
Pastitsada - a delicious Greek dish
Pastitsada has a long tradition and has evolved over the centuries to become one of the culinary symbols of Corfu. Combining sweet tomatoes, distinctive spices, and tender meat creates an unforgettable taste.
It is said that pastitsada is a dish every Greek woman should know how to prepare, making it a test of an ideal wife. Fortunately, the preparation is straightforward, so failing this test is hard.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of lean beef, cut into chunks
- 1 pound of chopped onions
- Olive oil
- A piece of butter
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground cloves
- Half a teaspoon of grated nutmeg
- A few allspice berries
- Half a teaspoon of cumin
- 1 red hot chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
- 1 pound of thick pasta, such as bucatini or casarecce
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation method:
- Cut the meat into larger pieces than you would for stew.
- Place all the spices in a bowl and mix.
- Heat oil and butter in a pan, then brown the meat on all sides.
- Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté briefly.
- Add the wine and spices.
- Once the wine evaporates, add enough water to cover the meat and simmer on low heat until the meat is tender.
- Finally, add the tomato paste.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta.
- Mix the pasta with some of the sauce, and place the rest of the sauce with the meat on top.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
The Greek pasta with sauce and beef is ready. Enjoy your meal!
