Kleidi Stoumou

Background and History

Kleidi Stoumou is a traditional dish originating from the heart of Greece, with deep roots in regional culinary practices. This comforting meal is well-loved for its robust flavors and is often enjoyed during communal gatherings and festive occasions. Its name, loosely translated, means "The Key to the Mouth," symbolizing its ability to unlock the pleasures of taste with its rich combination of ingredients and spices.

Ingredients

• Lamb - 2 pounds, cubed
• Onion - 2 large, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
• Red Wine - 1 cup
• Tomato Paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon - 1 stick
• Bay Leaves - 2
• Cloves - 3-4
• Allspice - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Vegetable Stock - 2 cups
• Potatoes - 3 medium, peeled and quartered
• Carrots - 2, cut into chunks
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon, dried

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Meat

Begin by patting the lamb cubes dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely. Season the lamb with some salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Browning the Meat

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes and brown them evenly on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Deglazing the Pot

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let the red wine reduce by half, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Simmering the Stew

Return the lamb to the pot. Add the tomato paste, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cloves, allspice, vegetable stock, thyme, and oregano. Stir to combine everything well.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the stew cook for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Check periodically, stirring occasionally, and add more vegetable stock or water if necessary to keep the lamb submerged.

Step 6: Adding Vegetables

After the stew has simmered for about 1.5 hours, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Allow the stew to continue simmering for another 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

How to Enjoy Kleidi Stoumou

Once the Kleidi Stoumou is ready, remove it from the heat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Kleidi Stoumou pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of steamed rice. The dish is best enjoyed in good company, evoking the spirit of traditional Greek communal dining.

For those who prefer a little acidity to balance the richness, a squeeze of lemon over the stew can add a zesty finish.