Discover pastitsada: Corfu's hidden culinary gem

At first glance, it might appear to be an Italian dish, but Greeks would quickly take offence at such a remark. While on holiday, it's worth trying not just kofta, Greek salad, or tzatziki but also ordering pastitsada. The taste is so delightful that you won't regret the choice, and you can easily recreate the dish at home with our ingredients.

Pastitsada is one of the most distinctive dishes of Greek cuisine, particularly from the island of Corfu. It is most often served with beef, although enthusiasts prefer veal or poultry. The meat is simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce enriched with aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and pepper. The dish is served with pasta, usually bucatini, and is so tasty that you might find yourself dreaming of another serving right after finishing it.

Pastitsada is a dish with a long tradition, which 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 that every Greek woman must know how to prepare, serving as a test of an ideal wife. The preparation is straightforward, making it difficult to fail this test.

Ingredients:                                                              

• 1 kilogram of lean beef cut into chunks,
• 450 grams of chopped onions,
• olive oil,
• a piece of butter,
• 2 tablespoons of tomato purée,
• 250 millilitres 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 chilli pepper,
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika,
• salt and pepper to taste.

For serving:      

• 450 grams of thick pasta, such as bucatini or casarecce,
• grated parmesan cheese.

Preparation method:                                      

1. Cut the meat into larger pieces than you would for a stew.
2. Mix all the spices in a bowl.
3. Heat the oil and butter in a pan, then brown the meat on all sides.
4. Add finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, and sauté briefly.
5. Add the wine and spices.
6. When the wine evaporates, add enough water to cover the meat and simmer on low heat until the meat is tender.
7. Finally, add the tomato purée.
8. Meanwhile, cook the pasta.
9. Mix the pasta with part of the sauce, and place the rest of the sauce with the meat on top.
10. Sprinkle with grated parmesan.

The Greek pasta with sauce and beef is ready. Enjoy your meal!