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The weather has changed again in Zakynthos and it seems to be threatening us with rain…..and with elections finally ending this weekend here’s a good excuse to invite some of those long lost friends and have a good old chin wag over a plate of Bekri Meze. Make sure you have plenty of wine flowing with this dish!
The word Bekri means a person who gets drunk, obviously drinking alcoholic beverages and meze meaning a small plate of food usually offered to those who are drinking alcohol…. so there you go Bekri Meze!
This dish can vary all over Greece. The beef can be replaced by pork, for instance or even chicken and some may add a few vegetables but they all have one thing in common and that is, Alcohol.
This dish is often served in Zakynthos as an appetizer or as stated above, more than likely to those who are drinking, as it is a perfect side dish for those who are planning a big night out, mainly drinking! Hence the name of the dish, meaning Drinkers appetizer.
What you will need.
1 kg of beef cut into small pieces
3tsps of all spice
2 onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups. Zakynthian olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon mustard
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups Zakynthian red wine (avgoustiatis)
5 fresh tomatoes, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste.
preparation
In a bowl put the meat, wine, mustard, half the oil and all the spices, cover with clear film and refrigerate overnight
The next day, put the remaining oil in a pan and when the oil is hot, fry the onion and garlic lightly
Add the meat to the onion and garlic mix.
Add the grated tomato and 2 cups of water
Cover the pot and leave it on low heat for about 3-4 hours or until the tomato sauce has thickened.
