2022-11-01
By Athanasios Kostakos
Greek Cuisine
Main Course
Brown the meat in your slow cooker using the "Saute" function, then add your tomato sauce, wine, and spices. Set to "Low" for 6-8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld perfectly. The slow cooker will break down the meat, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful, just like a traditional pastitsada.
Use the "Saute" function to sear your beef, then add onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and your seasonings. Lock the lid and cook on "Pressure Cook" for 30 minutes. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, resulting in a tender, rich pastitsada with deep, comforting flavors in a fraction of the time.
While traditionally a stew, you can create crispy, flavorful pastitsada meat in the air fryer. After marinating the beef, air fry the pieces at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until browned and crispy on the outside. Pair it with a classic tomato sauce, and serve it over pasta for a modern twist on this Greek favorite.
Pastitsada is a traditional Greek dish that features a complex flavor profile, which can be challenging to achieve. The dish combines slow-cooked beef or veal with tomatoes, onion, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of vinegar to create a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. Achieving the right balance of flavors requires careful measurement and attention to detail.
To make good Pastitsada, the meat must be cooked low and slow to ensure it is tender. This can be time-consuming and may require experimenting with cooking times and techniques to achieve the desired texture. Using a pressure cooker can help to tenderize the meat more quickly.
Pastitsada has a thick, luscious sauce that coats the meat and pasta. Achieving the right consistency can be challenging as the sauce must be thick enough to cling to the meat and pasta without being too heavy or starchy. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to the sauce can help to thicken it.
Pastitsada is typically served over thick pasta, such as bucatini or ziti. Achieving the right pasta texture can be challenging as it must be cooked al dente, yet firm enough to hold up to the thick sauce. Adding a bit of pasta water can help to loosen the sauce and create a smooth and creamy texture.
As with any dish, presentation is key to making Pastitsada look as delicious as it tastes. Garnishing the dish with fresh herbs or grated cheese can enhance its visual appeal and make it more inviting.
Preparation Time 30 min
Cook Time 2 hours
Total time 2.5 hours
This version is made with tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over al dente pasta for a hearty meal.
Pastitsada from Corfu: Beef Stew with PastaThis version is made with succulent rooster or beef, seasoned with spices, and paired with spaghetti in a vibrant, flavorful tomato sauce.
Pastitsada (Spicy Rooster or Beef with spaghetti in tomato sauce)