Discover the Flavors of Traditional Greek Agriogourouno kokinisto

Are you ready to dive into the heart of Greek gastronomy?

Let me introduce you to Agriogourouno (Wild Boar) in Tomato Sauce, a dish that combines rustic charm with bold Mediterranean flavors.

This traditional recipe hails from the Greek countryside, where wild boar is slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves.

The result? A tender, flavorful stew that’s perfect for cozy family gatherings or festive celebrations.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

Rich & Hearty: The wild boar meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up the aromatic sauce.
Aromatic Spices: A touch of cinnamon and allspice gives this dish its signature Greek warmth.
Pure Comfort: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luscious tomato sauce.

This recipe is a testament to Greece’s culinary heritage, where simplicity meets exquisite taste. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a comforting homemade meal, this dish will transport you straight to a Greek village table.

Pair it with a glass of robust Greek red wine like Agiorgitiko or Xinomavro for the ultimate dining experience!

Ingredients

2 kg wild boar meat (cut into chunks)

1/2 cup olive oil

2 large onions, finely chopped

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

2 large carrots, sliced

2-3 bay leaves

1 stick cinnamon

4-5 cloves

1/2 cup dry red wine

2 cups fresh tomato purée (or canned, high-quality tomatoes)

2 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup water or broth (if needed)

For Marinating the Wild Boar (Optional, for tenderizing):

1/2 cup vinegar

Water (enough to cover the meat)

1 tbsp salt

Aromatics: a sprig of rosemary, thyme, and a few peppercorns

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Directions

Optional Marination (for wild boar):

In a large bowl, combine water, vinegar, salt, and aromatics.

Add the wild boar chunks and let marinate in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. This helps tenderize the meat and reduce its gaminess.

Rinse the meat well under cold water and pat dry.

Brown the Meat:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add the wild boar chunks and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside

Sauté Vegetables and Spices:

In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté until softened and slightly golden.

Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Stir to release their aromas.

Deglaze with Wine:

Return the meat to the pot. Pour in the red wine and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.

Add Tomatoes and Spices:

Stir in the tomato purée, tomato paste, sugar (if using), allspice, and smoked paprika. Mix well.

Season with salt and pepper

Simmer to Tenderness:

Add 1 cup of water or broth if needed to cover the meat.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if necessary.

Serve:

Remove the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves before serving.

Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and pair with crusty bread for dipping.

Enjoy your hearty Agriogourouno in Tomato Sauce! This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of robust Greek red wine like Agiorgitiko or Xinomavro.