Greek Arni Kokkinisto

Greek Arni Kokkinisto is a classic comfort dish from Greece, featuring lamb (or sometimes beef) slow-braised in a rich, tomato-based sauce. It's typically seasoned with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, and often includes onions and garlic. The name 'kokkinisto' means 'reddened,' referring to the deep color from the tomatoes.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein from the lamb and moderate in fat, especially if using fattier cuts. It provides a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, with a rough calorie estimate of 400-500 kcal per typical serving, depending on the cut of meat and amount of added oil.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	650 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Zinc	8 mg
Vitamin B12	3.2 mcg
Potassium	680 mg
Phosphorus	320 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Niacin (B3)	9 mg
Vitamin B6	0.5 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The unique blend of Mediterranean tomato sauce with warm, sweet spices like cinnamon is a hallmark of Greek 'kokkinisto' dishes, reflecting historical influences from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Nutritionally, the slow cooking method helps tenderize the meat and may make certain minerals more bioavailable.