Beef and Eggplant Stew (Greek – Crock Pot Version)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 2
Beef and Eggplant Stew - A Hearty Greek Classic
in Stew

Prep

20 min

Cook

6 hours

Ready In

6 hours 20 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 lbs lean stewing beef , cut in 1 1/2 inch chunks
2 medium onions , sliced thin
2 garlic cloves , minced
1/4 cup olive oil
8 Japanese eggplants ( the long , thin , striated white and purply ones )
1 cup beef stock
1 can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup minced parsley
1/2 cup cubed feta cheese ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
430
Sugar
9g
Fat
29g
Greek cuisine is known for its homemade comfort food and slow-cooked stews. Beef and eggplant stew, also known as moussaka, is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations. This hearty and wholesome dish is the epitome of Greek hospitality. It is a perfect meal to serve to family and friends, especially on cold winter nights. The dish offers a unique combination of savory spices, tender beef, and buttery eggplant that elevates the flavors to new heights. It is typically served as a main course with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, toss the stewing beef with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2.Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
3.Add the seasoned beef and brown on all sides, approximately 5-8 minutes.
4.Once browned, transfer the beef to a crockpot along with tomato sauce, beef stock, red wine vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Give it a good stir.
5.Peel the eggplants in stripes, then cut them lengthwise. Then, slice eggplants into rounds.
6.Add eggplant rounds to the crockpot mixture. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7.When the beef is fork-tender and the eggplant is creamy, serve hot with a generous sprinkle of parsley and feta cheese, if desired.

PROS

Beef and eggplant stew is a wholesome and hearty dish with a rich flavor and texture.

The long cooking time allows the meat to tenderize and the eggplant to melt in your mouth.

It is an excellent source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full for longer.

CONS

It can be time-consuming to prepare this stew, especially if you need to brown the beef and eggplant in batches.

There is no substitute for a crockpot, so you need to plan accordingly to allow for the long cooking time.

It can be a bit messy, as the eggplant breaks down during cooking, giving the stew a thick and chunky consistency.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Beef is a rich source of iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of good health.
Eggplants contain antioxidants, fiber, and essential micronutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K.
The spices and herbs in this recipe are also beneficial for health, as cinnamon has been linked to regulating blood sugar and improving brain function, while allspice has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

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