Sofrito
Corfiot Beef with Garlic and White Wine
A traditional Corfiot specialty, this Sofrito features thinly sliced beef simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce of white wine and abundant garlic, finished with fresh parsley. It's a testament to the island's Venetian culinary influences.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Beef sirloin or tenderloin(Choose a tender cut, sliced very thinly against the grain.)
- 10-12 cloves Garlic(Adjust to your preference; more garlic is traditional.)
- 200 ml Dry white wine(Such as a Greek Assyrtiko or a Sauvignon Blanc.)
- 3 tbsp White wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(Finely chopped, plus extra for garnish.)
- 3-4 tbsp All-purpose flour(For coating the beef.)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil(For frying.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground is best.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the beef: If not already sliced, slice the beef very thinly against the grain. You can place the beef between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even, thin consistency (about 1/8 inch thick). Pat the beef slices dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat each beef slice, shaking off any excess.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Sear the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, sear the floured beef slices for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. The beef should be cooked through but still tender. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced or minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Deglaze and create the sauce: Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the white wine vinegar. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Simmer and finish: Return the seared beef slices to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Sofrito simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley during the last minute of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Serve: Spoon the Sofrito onto plates, ensuring each serving gets plenty of the garlicky white wine sauce. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. This dish is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The abundance of garlic is a hallmark of Corfiot Sofrito, so don't be shy!
- ✓For an authentic Venetian influence, ensure the beef is sliced paper-thin.
- ✓Serve hot with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For an even richer flavor, use a combination of beef and veal.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic for a subtle hint of heat.
- A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.