Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onions and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the carrots, celery, and parsnip. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer the Stew: Return the browned meat (or add lentils if using) to the pot. Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and the broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add the Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the potatoes, peas, corn, and green beans. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish with Greens: Just before serving, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Let it wilt into the stew for a few minutes, adding a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your comforting winter dish!
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Tips: This stew pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, a warm roll, or even over a bed of cooked rice or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of roasted winter vegetables for an extra comforting meal.
Storing: This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Freezing: You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight, and reheat as needed.
Variants:
Vegetarian Winter Wonderland Stew: Skip the beef and add hearty vegetables like butternut squash, mushrooms, or a blend of beans (like kidney beans and chickpeas) for protein. Vegetable broth can replace the meat-based broth.
Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Herb Infusion: You can experiment with different herbs like sage or oregano to bring out additional seasonal flavors.
FAQ:
Can I use a slow cooker for this stew? Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the meat (or skipping that step for a vegetarian version), place all the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Can I make this stew ahead of time? Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed? This recipe is very flexible, and you can substitute with whatever root vegetables or greens you have on hand. Sweet potatoes, turnips, or Brussels sprouts could be a great addition or alternative.
Embrace the season with this Winter Wonderland Stew, a soul-soothing, hearty dish that’s sure to be your go-to comfort food for the cold months ahead!
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