Mixed Cereal Stew

Mixed Cereal Stew Recipe from South Africa with Wheat Grains and Sorghum

Region / culture: South Africa | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mixed Cereal Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines a variety of grains and vegetables in a flavorful broth. This stew is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening or as a satisfying meal any time of the day.

History

Mixed Cereal Stew has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, as it is a simple and versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. This stew is often made with a combination of grains such as barley, rice, and quinoa, along with a mix of vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients

0.5 cup / 110 g wheat grains, soaked overnight
0.5 cup / 110 g sorghum or millet, soaked overnight
4 cups / 950 ml stock
2 tbsp oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cups / 300 g mixture of potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, chopped
0.5 cup / 120 ml milk
salt
pepper

How to prepare

Start the stew by draining the cereals, while keeping the water they were soaked in.
Now, put them into a pan with the stock, cover it, and bring it to a boil.
Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the grains are soft, adding some of the retained soaking water if necessary to prevent them from drying out.
Using another pan, heat up the oil and sauté the onion until it turns golden.
Add the potatoes and carrots, and cook them for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent them from sticking.
Then, add the cabbage and the remaining stock, and cook for an additional 5 – 8 minutes.
Once the vegetables are done, stir in the cooked cereals, add the milk, and gently boil until the stew reaches your desired consistency.
Finally, add the pepper and salt, and serve with sliced tomatoes.

Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to this stew for added flavor and nutrition.
For a vegan version, you can use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of stock and dairy milk.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the grains overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility.

- Be sure to stir the stew occasionally while it simmers to prevent the grains from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this stew based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mixed Cereal Stew hot with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and hearty dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any combination of grains such as quinoa, barley, or farro in place of the grains listed in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This stew pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cup of herbal tea for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

7g per serving

Proteins

9g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and gluten (grains), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Mixed Cereal Stew is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mixed Cereal Stew is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. Packed with grains, vegetables, and flavorful broth, this stew is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Mixed Cereal Stew. It was a cold winter day and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something warm and comforting to make for dinner. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and clippings from newspapers, I stumbled upon a hand-written recipe on a crumpled piece of paper.

The title at the top read "Mixed Cereal Stew" and below it were a list of ingredients and instructions that seemed unlike anything I had ever seen before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, despite my initial skepticism about mixing cereal with savory ingredients.

I remembered the first time I made the Mixed Cereal Stew. I gathered the required ingredients - a box of corn flakes, a can of chicken broth, some diced vegetables, and a handful of herbs and spices. As I started to cook, the aromas wafted through the kitchen, filling the air with a warm and comforting scent.

I followed the instructions carefully, allowing the stew to simmer and thicken until it reached the perfect consistency. When it was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it to my family with some crusty bread on the side.

To my surprise, the Mixed Cereal Stew was a hit! The combination of the crunchy cereal with the savory broth and vegetables created a unique and delicious flavor that we all enjoyed. My family asked for seconds and praised me for trying something new and different.

As I sat at the table, savoring each spoonful of the stew, I couldn't help but think back to how I learned to make it. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside.

My grandmother was an excellent cook and had a vast collection of recipes that she had acquired from various places and people over the years. She was always experimenting in the kitchen, coming up with new and inventive dishes that delighted our taste buds.

One day, she announced that she had learned a new recipe for Mixed Cereal Stew from a traveling chef who had passed through our village. Intrigued, I asked her to teach me how to make it.

We gathered the ingredients - corn flakes, chicken broth, vegetables, and spices - and set to work in the kitchen. My grandmother guided me through each step, showing me how to chop the vegetables, sauté them in a pan, and add the cereal and broth to create a hearty stew.

As the stew simmered on the stove, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and the recipes she had learned from her own mother and grandmother. I listened intently, absorbing her wisdom and knowledge like a sponge.

When the stew was finally ready, we sat down at the table and enjoyed a delicious meal together. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - the crunch of the cereal mixed with the savory broth and vegetables was a revelation.

From that day on, Mixed Cereal Stew became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions and I would often request it for my birthday dinner. It was a dish that brought us together, creating memories that I would cherish for a lifetime.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, making Mixed Cereal Stew for my own family, I can't help but smile as I remember the day I first learned to make it. It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist and flavor to make it their own.

And as I serve the stew to my family, watching their faces light up with delight, I know that this recipe will continue to be a beloved tradition for years to come. It's a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring, bridging generations and creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever.