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GreekAuthentic Cuisine

Stifado Spice Bag

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Stifado Spice Bag

Stifado, a beloved Greek stew, finds its roots in the comfort of home kitchens rather than bustling festivals. Traditionally crafted during the cooler months, it is a staple of family meals, offering warmth and depth that mirrors the changing seasons. The Stifado Spice Bag is the aromatic heart of this dish, infusing each pot with the sweet and savory notes reminiscent of autumn's embrace.

This spice blend transforms the stew into a fragrant symphony, with cinnamon and allspice lending their cozy warmth, while cloves and bay leaves add a complexity that dances on the palate. Black pepper and sea salt anchor the flavors, ensuring a balanced finish that resonates with the essence of Greek culinary tradition.

Ingredients

  • 4cinnamon sticks — broken
  • 2 tbspallspice berries
  • 8whole cloves
  • 6bay leaves
  • 1 tbspblack peppercorns
  • 1 tbspfine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by gathering 4 cinnamon sticks, 2 tablespoons of allspice berries, 8 whole cloves, 6 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, and 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt. These whole spices will infuse the Stifado with a rich, sweet-sour aroma.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine all the whole spices and salt. Do not grind them; keeping them whole ensures they steep cleanly in the wine and vinegar, releasing their flavors slowly during cooking.
  3. Cut a piece of muslin cloth large enough to hold a spoonful of the spice mixture. Place one spoonful of the mixed spices into the center of the muslin for each kilo of meat you plan to cook.
  4. Gather the edges of the muslin together and tie securely with kitchen twine to form a small pouch. This spice bag will allow the flavors to infuse the dish without leaving any spice particles behind.
  5. When preparing your Stifado, add the spice bag to the pot along with the meat and liquids. As the dish simmers, the spices will release their flavors, creating a harmonious blend with the other ingredients.
  6. Before serving, carefully fish the spice bag out of the pot using a spoon or tongs. This ensures no one bites into a clove or other whole spice, which could be unpleasant.
  7. Transfer any remaining spice mixture into an airtight jar. Seal the jar tightly to preserve the freshness of the spices, and store it in a cool, dark place for future use.
Cover of Authentic Greek Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Greek Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Greek Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Greek volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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