stifade

Stifade is a term that can refer to a few different things, primarily a type of stew or ragout, and sometimes a specific cultural dish. In French cuisine, "stifado" (often spelled with an 'o' at the end) is a traditional Greek and Turkish stew. Its main ingredients are usually meat, often beef or rabbit, and a large quantity of onions. The meat and onions are slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce, frequently flavored with red wine, vinegar, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become very tender.

The dish is known for its rich, aromatic flavor profile, with the sweetness of the onions balancing the tanginess of the tomatoes and vinegar, and the warm spices adding depth. Stifado is typically served hot, often accompanied by rice, potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. While the Greek version is perhaps the most widely recognized internationally, similar stews with variations in ingredients and spice combinations can be found in other Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. The name itself is thought to derive from the Italian word "stufato," meaning stewed.