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### Instructions:
1. **Sauté the beef**: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil to the pot and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
2. **Sauté the onions and garlic**: In the same Instant Pot, add the sliced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. **Deglaze the pot**: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial as it adds extra flavor to the stew.
4. **Add the tomatoes and spices**: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, dried oregano, cinnamon, allspice, and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Pressure cook**: Return the browned beef to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set it to cook on **Manual/Pressure Cook** mode for 35 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
6. **Serve**: Open the Instant Pot and discard the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the beef stifado over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
### Tips:
– **Meat Options**: If you can’t find stew meat, you can use other cuts of beef like brisket, chuck roast, or short ribs. Just make sure to cut the meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
– **Wine Substitute**: If you don’t have wine on hand, you can substitute it with beef broth, but the wine adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
– **Make it Spicy**: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stew for a subtle kick.
– **Thickening the Sauce**: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode after pressure cooking and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
### Variations:
– **Vegetables**: Add carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the stew for added texture and flavor. Simply add them in along with the beef before pressure cooking.
– **Herb Infusion**: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick, a couple of whole cloves, or a sprig of fresh thyme while pressure cooking.
### Serving Suggestions:
Greek Beef Stifado pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as:
– **Rice**: Serve it over white rice, basmati rice, or even couscous for a lighter option.
– **Mashed Potatoes**: The rich sauce and tender beef are perfectly complemented by creamy mashed potatoes.
– **Crusty Bread**: Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
### Conclusion:
With the help of the Instant Pot, this **Greek Beef Stifado** recipe delivers the same deliciously tender and flavorful dish in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The result is a mouthwatering, comforting meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Greece. Perfect for busy nights or special dinners, this dish is sure to be a hit every time you make it. Enjoy your culinary journey into Greek cuisine!
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