Pastitsada: A taste of Corfu's rich culinary tradition

At first glance, pastitsada might look like an Italian dish, but Greeks would quickly take offence at such a statement. While on vacation, it's worth trying not just kofta, Greek salad, or tzatziki, but also ordering pastitsada. It tastes so good that you won't regret this choice, and you can easily recreate the dish at home under Canadian conditions.

Pastitsada is one of the most characteristic dishes of Greek cuisine, especially on the island of Corfu. It is most often served with beef, although there are enthusiasts who prefer veal or poultry. The meat is simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, enriched with a range of aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and pepper. The dish is served with pasta, usually bucatini, and tastes so good that you immediately dream 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. The combination of 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, so it's a test of an ideal wife. The preparation is simple, so it's hard to fail this test.

Ingredients:                                                              

• 1 kilogram of lean beef cut into chunks,
• 500 grams of chopped onions,
• olive oil,
• a piece of butter,
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste,
• 1 cup 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 chili pepper,
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika,
• salt and pepper to taste.

For serving:      

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

Preparation method:                                      

1. Cut the meat into larger pieces than for stew.
2. Put all the spices in a bowl and mix.
3. Heat oil and butter in a pan, then brown the meat on all sides.
4. Add finely chopped onions and garlic pressed through a garlic press, 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 paste.
8. In the meantime, 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!