Country Stew

Country Stew Recipe from North America, USA - Ingredients Included

Region / culture: North America, USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Country stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This classic recipe features tender chunks of pork and beef, along with a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, country stew is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Country stew has its roots in traditional American cuisine, where hearty and filling dishes were a staple of rural households. This recipe likely originated as a way to make use of leftover meats and vegetables, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that could feed a crowd. Over the years, country stew has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and seasonings, but its essence as a comforting and nourishing dish has remained the same.

Ingredients

2 tbsp pure vegetable oil
1.5 lb (680 g) pork shoulder, cubed
1.5 lb (680 g) beef roast, cubed
1 cup potatoes, cubed
0.5 cup carrots, cubed
0.5 cup celery, sliced
1 onion, chopped (white or yellow only)
1 clove garlic
1.5 cups soup stock
2 cups hot or lukewarm water
1 tbsp salt
3 tbsp chopped parsley (reserving 2 tbsp for garnishing if desired)
5 tsp ground red pepper (optional)
1 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 cup all-purpose flour

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet or soup kettle and brown the meat over medium heat.
Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, soup stock, 1.5 cups of water, salt, parsley, and ground black pepper.
Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours or until the meat is tender.
In a screw-top jar, combine flour, ground red pepper (optional), and the remaining 0.5 cup of water. Shake well to blend.
Slowly stir the flour mixture into the meat mixture and cook until desired thickness is reached.
Serve hot either plain or with other main dishes. Scoop or spoon the red-hot stew into a large bowl and top with the remaining parsley, if desired.

Variations

For a lighter version of country stew, you can use lean cuts of meat and add more vegetables.
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of soup stock.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat before adding it to the stew. This will add depth and complexity to the dish.

- Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables in your country stew. Try adding mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for a unique twist.

- To save time, you can prepare the stew in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. If you like a spicier stew, add more ground red pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Country stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a flavorful country stew is to simmer it slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pork shoulder or beef roast, you can use other cuts of meat such as stew beef or pork loin.

- Feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, or green beans.

Make Ahead Tips

Country stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve country stew in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Country stew pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 400

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Country stew is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the all-purpose flour) and may contain soy (from the soup stock).

Summary

Country stew is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Country stew is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With its tender meat, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of country stew with your loved ones today.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a cold winter's day and I had just come in from feeding the animals on the farm. As I warmed myself by the fire, my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins came over with a steaming pot of Country Stew.

She set the pot down on the table and the aroma that wafted from it was heavenly. I could smell the tender chunks of beef, the carrots, potatoes, and onions all simmering together in a rich broth. Mrs. Jenkins had a twinkle in her eye as she told me that this stew had been passed down in her family for generations.

I begged her to share the recipe with me, and after much persuasion, she finally relented. She took out a worn, stained piece of paper from her apron pocket and handed it to me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and promised to make the stew for my family that very night. As I gathered the ingredients and began to cook, memories flooded back to me of my own grandmother teaching me how to cook when I was just a girl.

My grandmother was a wonderful cook and she had a vast collection of recipes that she had collected over the years. She would spend hours in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting, creating delicious meals that always seemed to warm the soul.

As I stirred the pot of Country Stew, I could feel her presence with me, guiding my hand and whispering words of encouragement. I added a pinch of this and a dash of that, just as she had taught me, and soon the stew was bubbling away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its comforting scent.

When my family sat down to dinner that night, their eyes lit up with delight as they tasted the stew. The tender beef, the hearty vegetables, and the savory broth all combined to create a dish that was truly special.

From that day on, Country Stew became a staple in our household. I would make it on cold winter nights, on lazy Sundays, and whenever someone needed a little comfort in their day. Each time I made the stew, I would think of Mrs. Jenkins and my grandmother, and I would feel grateful for the gift of their recipes.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touches and making it my own. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it on just as Mrs. Jenkins did to me.

Now, as I sit by the fire on another cold winter's day, I can't help but smile as I think of all the memories and stories that are woven into this simple dish. Country Stew may just be a humble recipe, but to me, it is so much more than that. It is a connection to the past, a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal, and a tribute to the women who have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And as I take a spoonful of the stew and savor its warm, comforting flavors, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures in life – good food, good company, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those you love.