5 Easy Stew Recipes for Hearty Winter Meals

As winter's chill settles in, there's nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, hearty stew. This dish not only warms the body but also the soul, bringing a sense of coziness and homeliness to the cold evenings. Stews are versatile, allowing you to use various ingredients you have on hand, making it an excellent dish for those who want to minimize food waste. Here, we'll explore five easy stew recipes that will become your go-to for hearty winter meals.

1. Classic Beef Stew

Beef stew is a traditional dish with a rich, savory flavor, perfect for long, cold nights. Here's a simple recipe:

• 1 kg beef chuck roast, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the stew:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
2. Add garlic and onion, cooking until translucent.
3. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, then pour in beef broth and wine. Add the vegetables and herbs.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and adjust other flavors if needed.

🍲 Note: Simmering your stew gently ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.

2. Vegetarian Lentil Stew

For those avoiding meat, a lentil stew provides a nutrient-packed alternative:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Here's how to make it:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add in the carrots and celery, cooking until slightly softened.
3. Stir in lentils, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Add spices.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30-45 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

3. Chicken and Dumpling Stew

This chicken and dumpling stew combines comfort with rustic charm:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for coating
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper
• Dumplings: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup milk

Follow these steps:

1. Coat the chicken in flour. In a pot, melt butter and brown the chicken, then set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened.
3. Return chicken to the pot, pour in broth and milk, then bring to a simmer.
4. For dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls into the stew. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.

4. Moroccan Lamb Stew

Take a culinary journey with this Moroccan lamb stew, richly spiced and aromatic:

• 500g lamb shoulder, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ras el Hanout
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the lamb. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook the onion until translucent, add garlic, Ras el Hanout, cinnamon, and ginger, cooking until aromatic.
3. Return lamb to the pot along with tomatoes, stock, chickpeas, and raisins. Simmer for 1-2 hours or until lamb is tender.
4. Adjust seasoning and top with cilantro before serving.

5. Seafood Stew

For a lighter but still hearty option, try this seafood stew:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, and white fish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups fish or seafood stock
• A pinch of saffron (optional)
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

Here's the process:

1. In a large pot, sauté fennel and onion in oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for a minute.
2. Pour in the wine, letting it reduce by half.
3. Add tomatoes, stock, and saffron. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the seafood, starting with fish, then shrimp, and mussels. Cook until the mussels open and seafood is cooked through.
5. Serve hot with a garnish of parsley and lemon wedges.

🐟 Note: Seafood cooks very quickly, so add it towards the end to avoid overcooking.

Winter's cold grip is made far more bearable with these warming stew recipes. Whether you're savoring the rich, comforting flavors of beef or lamb, the heartiness of a vegetarian option, or the delicate elegance of seafood, these recipes provide a comforting escape from the chill. They're not only easy to prepare but also encourage you to sit down, savor the moment, and enjoy the company of friends or family. After all, food is about connecting with others, and there's no better setting for this than around a steaming bowl of homemade stew.

Can I prepare these stews in advance?

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Yes, stews are excellent make-ahead dishes. Many, like beef or lamb stew, can even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat them slowly over low heat to keep the meat tender and the flavors intact.

What are some good side dishes to serve with stew?

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A variety of side dishes can complement stews:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping and soaking up the broth.
• A fresh, green salad with a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.
• Mashed potatoes or polenta for extra comfort.
• Simple steamed greens like spinach or kale.

How can I thicken stew without using flour?

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Here are some alternatives to thicken stew:

• Purée part of the stew’s vegetables and return them to the pot.
• Add a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water.
• Let the stew simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, concentrating flavors and thickening naturally.

Are there any vegetarian substitutions for the meat in stews?

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Absolutely! Here are some options:

• Replace meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or squash.
• Use beans or lentils for added protein.
• Seitan or tempeh can also mimic the texture of meat.
• For seafood stew, try hearts of palm or artichoke hearts to add a seafood-like texture.