Scarborough Fair Stew: A Light and Flavorful Summer Stew
If you’re looking for a wholesome and delicious one-pot meal that captures the essence of fresh summer produce, look no further than this Scarborough Fair Stew. Inspired by the classic English folk song, this stew brings together the fragrant herbs of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, combined with tender ground turkey, seasonal vegetables, and hearty broth. It’s the perfect dish for a light yet satisfying meal that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Recipe Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Category: Stew
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 1 lb |
| Fresh sage | 3 tbsp, finely chopped |
| Zucchini | 2 medium, diced |
| Sweet potato | 1 medium, peeled and diced |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| White pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tsp, chopped |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 tsp, chopped |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 242.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 11.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 52.2 mg |
| Sodium | 559.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14.4 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 20.5 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Start by shredding the fresh sage leaves and mixing them thoroughly with the ground turkey. The sage will infuse the meatballs with a wonderful herby flavor.
- Using about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture at a time, roll them into small meatballs. Aim for a size that’s easy to cook through (roughly 1-inch in diameter).
-
Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 6 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside for now.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced zucchini, peeled sweet potato cubes, and frozen peas.
- Stir the vegetables frequently, letting them cook for about 5 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to soften slightly and absorb the flavors left in the pot from the meatballs.
-
Simmer the Stew:
- Pour the chicken and vegetable broths into the pot, adding depth and richness to the stew.
- Return the browned meatballs to the pot and add the fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and white pepper. Stir to combine everything.
- Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently for 20 minutes. This will give the flavors time to meld and the vegetables to cook through.
-
Thicken the Stew:
- Once the stew has simmered and the vegetables are tender, turn the heat back to medium.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the pot to help thicken the broth. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew reaches a nice, hearty consistency.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the stew has thickened and the flavors have come together, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, and enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
Recipe Tips:
-
Ground Meat Variations: If you don’t have ground turkey, feel free to use ground chicken or lean beef as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, you can skip the meatballs altogether and use plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
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Herb Substitutions: Fresh herbs are best for this recipe, but if you don’t have fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley on hand, you can use dried herbs. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so you’ll need to reduce the amounts accordingly. For example, use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
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Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the other seasonings. It gives the stew a nice kick without overpowering the herby flavors.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in this stew. Other summer vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even green beans would be wonderful additions to this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Scarborough Fair Stew is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. The combination of fresh herbs, lean ground turkey, and hearty vegetables creates a stew that is both light and nourishing. With only 45 minutes of your time, this one-pot dish offers a balanced meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, without being too heavy. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just looking for a quick meal for yourself, this stew is sure to please everyone at the table.
Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “My kids loved this! I made it with ground turkey and it was the perfect light dinner. I also added some carrots and it was delicious.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “This recipe is so easy, and the flavors are incredible! It was a hit with my picky husband, and he went back for seconds!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “The herbs make all the difference. This stew is hearty but still feels fresh and light. I will definitely make it again!”
This recipe is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that is packed with summer vegetables and herbs. You can easily customize it to suit your taste, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your meal plan. Whether served as a family dinner or as a meal prep for the week, Scarborough Fair Stew is sure to become a favorite.
