Take it slow Stew Recipe

Stew.

A simple word that takes many forms and spellings around the world, but it’s almost always a synonym for comfort food.

From Asia to Europe, Africa to the Americas, everyone has their own take on what a stew should include, how long it should take to cook, and what to do with it.

We are huge fans of stews, usually served with some nice basmati rice – but they’re also the star of any Taco Night, alongside warm homemade tortillas and a generous serving of guacamole.

If possible, we highly recommend using a Dutch oven or a slow cooker for stews, since this is the sort of recipe that showcases how, sometimes, time is the best ingredient. You can get away with a regular pan but will need to be extra vigilant about not letting the stew get dry – or even worse, burned.

But now… to the kitchen!

ingredients (6 servings, or 2 with leftovers)

• 6 chicken breasts
• 500 g of mixed vegetables (zucchinis, carrots, leeks, red bell pepper, celery – or whichever you find in your fridge)
• 100 g of white wine
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil Juice from 1/2 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Seasoning to taste (optional) (smoked paprika, turmeric, and herbs like basil or parsley)

method

1. Cut the meat in pieces, and season it with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the vegetables, slicing and cutting them all in small squares (roughly the same size).
3. Get your pan on a medium to low heat and add olive oil and vegetables. Let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add the meat and let it get a little colour. A few minutes later, add wine, remaining seasonings, and cover your pan.
5. While time works its magic, let it cook for 1 to 2.5 hours (depending on quantity and cooking temperature).
   • If using a Dutch oven or slow cooker, let it cook slowly for at least 2.5 hours (more, if possible).
   • If using a regular pan, aim for 1 hour but keep a close eye on both texture and humidity of the mixture, never letting it dry; add more wine (or water) as needed to keep it happily cooking away.
6. Once done, double check the seasoning and adjust where needed.

tips / good to know

• Leftovers
  • This stew is perfect for leftovers, which you can use in anything from lasagna to meat pastries, bolognese pasta, sandwiches, or even a personal take on chili con carne (chili with meat).
• Mix Meat it up!
  • The chicken version is our most frequent choice, but we’ll use this recipe for veal, pork, or even a mix of meats – while also playing around with the vegetables and herbs used. Give it a go!