Braised beef

Make this delicately spiced stew ahead of time for last-minute gatherings with friends

- BARNEY DESMAZERY

One-pot beef stifado

Ideal for freezing, the flavours of this Greek-style stew only intensify when made ahead. Then, if you’re doing some casual entertainingoverthe holidays, all you’ll need to do is reheat it.

SERVES 6 PREP 40 mins COOK 2 hrs 30 mins EASY

3 tbsp olive oil 1kg stewing beef, cut into large chunks (chuck or shin works well)

600g baby onions or small shallots (see tip, above) pinch of golden caster sugar

4 garlic cloves, chopped

4 bay leaves

1 cinnamon stick pinch each of ground allspice and ground cloves

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp tomato purée

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

150ml red wine