There is nothing like smelling a warm, savory stew upon walking in the front door on a cool, brisk, fall day. Stew is a warming comfort-food whether you are enjoying it by yourself or cooking it for your family.
Try these healthy stews in your slow-cooker or in a big simmering pot on the stovetop – either way they are delicious.
Pumpkin and Bean Spice –
I made this for my family earlier this week and it didn’t last a day. I used what I had on hand, but feel free to leave something out or add something else that you have on hand. Note- This is delicious either vegetarian style, or with the added beef.
• 1 Package of kidney beans prepared from dry according to package directions (If you use canned, aim for four small cans or two large).
• 1 can pumpkin (the kind used for pie filling)
• 3 diced carrots
• ½ diced onion
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 yellow squash, roughly chopped
• Cooked, ground beef (1/2 to 1 lb worth)
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 1-3 tablespoons of red pepper (depending on how much ‘heat’ you like)
• Cracked pepper and salt to taste
• Jalapeño (optional)
You’ll be making the beans first if they are dried, set them aside. Brown meat and then add all of your ingredients to a large pot. Simmer for an hour under a crooked lid; check it often until you can see that it isn’t being over-heated. Stir often. You can then leave this on the warm setting, letting the flavors become more delicious with time. You can also put this in a slow-cooker for an even easier, no-fuss meal.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Stew-
This slow-cooked meal was born out of a hurried day. I threw everything in my crock-pot and when it was finished, I thought it looked like it would be a great creamy stew. It was, and it’s so easy!
Note- I’m leaving the specific amounts of the main ingredients up to you. I fed four at the time, you may be feeding many more – but you get the idea.
• Chicken breast
• Quartered potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
• Frozen sweet corn
• Milk
• 3 pats of butter
Place potatoes and corn in your slow-cooker and your chicken on the top. When your food is done in your slow-cooker, begin cutting the chicken and mashing the ingredients with a potato masher. You can also use a hand mixer on low just until the potatoes and chicken begin to break down. Add butter, and milk one cup at a time until the stew is the consistency of a thick stew.
Try these unique and delicious stews this fall – they are sure to warm you up on a cold day.
