Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew

Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew Recipe - Vegetarian

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 1-1.5 hour (stovetop) | Servings: 4-6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for cold winter days. This stew is packed with a variety of vegetables and savory flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in many families as a way to make use of winter vegetables that are in season. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
4 to 6 small shallots, peeled and halved
8 oz (227 g) baby carrots
1 lb (454 g) small new potatoes, well scrubbed and cut in half if larger than 1.5 inches
2 turnips or 1 small rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, crushed
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1.5 cups vegetable stock
0.25 cup dry red or white wine
1 tbsp tamari soy sauce
1.5 tsp dried thyme, sage, or savory, or a mix of all three

How to prepare

Oil the bottom of the slow cooker with 1 tbsp of oil.
Add shallots, carrots, potatoes, turnips, and garlic, and toss to coat with oil.
Add salt, pepper, stock, wine, tamari, and herbs.
Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Do not stir.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low; cook until all vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 hours.

Stovetop directions

Heat all oil in a 5- to 6 qt (5.68 liter) Dutch oven or other large pot over medium heat.
Add all remaining ingredients.
Reduce heat to low.
Cover the pot and cook, stirring the contents occasionally, until all vegetables are tender, 1 to 1.5 hours.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices. You can also add cooked beans or lentils for extra protein, or top the stew with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine for a cozy night in.

Cooking Techniques

This stew can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Both methods will result in a delicious and flavorful dish, so choose the one that works best for your schedule.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have rutabaga, you can substitute with turnips or parsnips. You can also use sweet potatoes or butternut squash in place of the new potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this stew with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor. You can also serve it in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of pesto on top.

Pairing Recommendations

This stew pairs well with a variety of wines, such as a Pinot Noir or a Chardonnay. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a pot on the stovetop and heat over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this stew contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

This stew is a great source of carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of carbs. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Each serving of this stew contains about 7 grams of fat. The olive oil used in this recipe provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Proteins

This stew is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 5 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help support a strong immune system and healthy digestion.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, if you have specific food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to check the ingredients list carefully.

Summary

Overall, this Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew is a nutritious and delicious meal that is perfect for cold winter days. It is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals, and is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for cold winter days. Packed with a variety of vegetables and savory flavors, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious stew for a satisfying and filling meal that the whole family will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a beautiful painting hanging on the walls of my mind. It was a cold winter day, the kind that makes you want to curl up with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea. I had just finished shoveling the snow off the driveway and was looking for something hearty and comforting to warm me up.

I rummaged through my kitchen cabinets, searching for inspiration. That's when I came across a dusty old cookbook that I hadn't looked at in years. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon a recipe for Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew. The ingredients list was full of wholesome veggies like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, all simmered together in a rich broth.

I remembered the first time I tried this stew. I was a young girl, spending the winter holidays at my grandmother's house. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals that filled the house with tantalizing aromas. One snowy evening, she served us this vegetable stew, and I was instantly hooked. The flavors were so comforting and the warmth of the dish spread through my body like a cozy hug.

I asked my grandmother for the recipe, and she happily shared it with me. She told me that she had learned it from her own mother, who had passed it down through generations. As I cooked the stew that day in my own kitchen, I felt a deep connection to my family's culinary history.

The key to making this stew, my grandmother had told me, was to use fresh, seasonal vegetables. She always emphasized the importance of quality ingredients and cooking with love. I remembered her gentle hands as she chopped the vegetables, her eyes sparkling with pride as she stirred the pot on the stove.

I followed the recipe carefully, peeling and chopping the vegetables with care. The sweet aroma of onions and garlic filled the air as I sautéed them in a large pot. I added the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, letting them cook until they were tender and fragrant.

Next, I poured in the vegetable broth, letting it simmer and meld together with the vegetables. I seasoned the stew with a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. As the stew bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction.

Finally, it was time to ladle the stew into bowls and serve it piping hot. I garnished each bowl with a sprinkle of parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness. The first spoonful brought back memories of cozy winter evenings spent with family, gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.

As I savored each bite of the Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my grandmother and the culinary traditions she had passed down to me. Cooking this recipe was more than just following instructions – it was a way to honor my family's heritage and create new memories of my own.

And so, as I finished the last spoonful of stew, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dish to warm me up on a cold winter day – it was a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we hold dear.