BEEF GIOUVETSI

By Theodora

https://www.sweetandsaltyfeelings.com

@sweetandsalty_feelings

Giouvetsi or Youvetsi is the perfect dish for a Sunday family dinner! This is a hearty and delicious Greek oven-baked dish, made with beef, lamb or chicken and orzo pasta, which is cooked in a flavourful tomato-based sauce.

What is Giouvetsi/ Youvetsi?
Giouvetsi or also spelt Youvetsi, is a delicious and easy Greek pasta dish made with chicken, beef or lamb in a tasty tomato sauce. It is made either with kritharaki (orzo pasta) or with hilopites.

The name Giouvetsi derives from the Turkish word güveç, which is the name given to ceramic pots. This is an example of the influence Ottomans had on countries, which have been occupied centuries ago. It is not necessary to cook Giouvetsi in such a ceramic pot, but cooking it that way, will bring a feeling of history and tradition to you.

Serves: 4-6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 140 minutes

Ingredients

6 tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
1 kg Boneless beef, cut into cubes
250 gr Orzo pasta
2 Medium onions, minced
1 Clove of garlic, minced
1 Red pepper, cut into short slices
120 gr. Red wine
400 gr. Canned tomatoes
1 lt Water
2 Bay leaves
1 Stick cinnamon
Salt
Pepper
Parsley, to serve
Parmesan cheese or feta cheese, to serve

Instructions

Add onions and garlic in a food processor and beat until minced or chop them finely.
Clean red pepper and cut into slices.
Place a pot over high heat, add 3 tbsp. olive oil and the beef cubes. Sauté beef meat, each side for approximately 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Add minced onion, garlic, red pepper and sauté until soften, while stirring.
Add canned tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes.
Add red wine and and simmer until evaporated.
Add water, salt, pepper, bay leaves, the cinnamon stick and simmer for approx. 1 1/2 hours, until the meat becomes soft and the sauce has thickened. (If the sauce is too thick, add some water.
When ready, remove cinnamon stick and transfer to an oven proof dish.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees, set to Fan.
Place a pot over medium to high heat, add 2-3 tbsp. orzo pasta and sauté orzo for approx. 3-4 minutes or until golden.
When ready add orzo over the meat.
Cover oven proof dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove aluminum foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
When ready (the food is ready when all liquids are absorbed by orzo), remove from the oven, sprinkle some finely chopped parsley.
Serve, sprinkle with some grated parmesan cheese or feta cheese and enjoy!