Family Tradition Stew

Family Tradition Stew Recipe - Authentic Maltese Cuisine

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Family Tradition Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that has been passed down through generations. This stew is packed with a variety of vegetables, lean beef, and flavorful dumplings that make it a perfect meal for a cozy family dinner.

History

This recipe has been a staple in our family for years, with each generation adding their own twist to it. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory dumplings creates a delicious and satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Ingredients

400 g carrots
200 g potatoes
1 turnip
2 medium onions
2 stalks celery
100 g fresh or frozen peas
500 g lean beef, cut into cubes
1 tbsp tomato puree

For dumplings

200 g flour
8 oz (227 g) margarine
salt and pepper
1 small can corned beef

How to prepare

Wash and cut all the vegetables into small cubes, including carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, peas, turnip, and beef.
Place them in a deep casserole dish and cover with water. Add the tomato puree and bring to a boil over high heat. The vegetables should be fully covered with water, filling three-quarters of the casserole dish.
In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, margarine, and corned beef. Mix and rub the ingredients together with your hands until they resemble crumbs. Gradually add a little water and continue mixing until the mixture forms a big ball. It should not be too dry or too soggy. Cover and let it set while the vegetables are boiling.
Once the vegetables start boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Take small pieces of the dough mixture and form them into small balls (dumplings). Place the dumplings one by one into the boiling casserole dish. Increase the heat again until it boils, then reduce the heat to very low. Let it simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure you added enough water at the beginning with the vegetables. If there is still a lot of gravy after 60 minutes, let it cook until it thickens.
When the stew has thickened, it is ready to be served. It is best served hot. If desired, add a spoonful of curry and mix it with the stew before serving.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the beef and add more vegetables or tofu.
You can add different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the stew, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the vegetables into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Adding tomato puree to the stew gives it a rich and savory flavor.

- Be sure to simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Adding a spoonful of curry at the end can give the stew an extra kick of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Family Tradition Stew can be served on its own as a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include simmering the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to develop and adding the dumplings at the right time to ensure they cook through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have corned beef for the dumplings, you can use cooked bacon or ham as a substitute. You can also use butter instead of margarine.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stew ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The dumplings can also be made in advance and added to the stew when reheating.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stew in a large bowl with the dumplings on top for a rustic and comforting presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Family Tradition Stew pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of apple cider or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 400 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Fats: 15g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron from the variety of vegetables and lean beef.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (flour) and soy (margarine). It may also contain traces of gluten from the flour used in the dumplings.

Summary

Family Tradition Stew is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

Family Tradition Stew is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Packed with vegetables, lean beef, and savory dumplings, this stew is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty goodness of this delicious recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves falling gently to the ground as I rummaged through the dusty old recipe box that had been passed down through generations in our family. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a card simply labeled "Family Tradition Stew".

I had never heard of this particular recipe before, but something about the title intrigued me. The handwriting on the card was delicate and spidery, clearly penned by someone from a different era. I could almost feel the presence of my ancestors as I read through the ingredients and instructions.

The recipe called for simple, humble ingredients - potatoes, carrots, onions, and a few cuts of beef. But it was the method of preparation that caught my attention. The card instructed me to simmer the stew slowly over a low flame, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, hearty dish that would warm the soul on even the coldest of nights.

I decided then and there that I would make this stew for my family, honoring the tradition that had been passed down to me. I set to work gathering the ingredients, chopping vegetables with care and browning the beef in a heavy cast iron pot. As the stew bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I felt a sense of connection to my ancestors, as if their spirits were guiding me through the process.

When my family gathered around the table that evening to enjoy the stew, there was a sense of reverence in the air. We knew that we were partaking in something special, a dish that had been lovingly prepared by generations of hands before us. As we savored each spoonful, the flavors mingling on our tongues, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the recipe that had been entrusted to me.

Over the years, I have made Family Tradition Stew countless times, each batch slightly different as I added my own twists and tweaks to the recipe. But the core ingredients and method of preparation have remained the same, a constant thread connecting me to my past and to the generations that will come after me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with a sense of pride and fulfillment. I may not know the exact origins of Family Tradition Stew, or the hands that first wrote down the recipe on that faded index card. But what I do know is that it has become a cherished part of my own family's story, a dish that will be passed down through the ages, just like the recipe box that holds its secrets.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, drawing inspiration from the past and sharing the fruits of my labor with those I love, I know that I am honoring the legacy of those who came before me. And that, to me, is the true essence of family tradition.