Midwest Harvest Stew

Certainly! Let’s dive into the hearty recipe for Midwest Living’s Bouja/Burgoo, a comforting stew that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the Midwest, blending flavors and ingredients in a pot full of savory goodness. This stew is a perfect embodiment of the ‘stew of opportunity’ concept, where you can adapt the ingredients based on what you have available, making it versatile and flavorful every time.

Midwest Living’s Bouja / Burgoo Recipe

Overview:

• Name: Midwest Living’s Bouja / Burgoo
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Description: A traditional Midwest stew that can be adapted with a variety of ingredients, originally from Minnesota (Bouja) and Kentucky (Burgoo), known for its hearty and savory qualities.

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this stew:

Instructions:

Follow these steps to create a delicious pot of Bouja/Burgoo:

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large cooking pot, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
   • Cook the chicken breast until no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pot, cover, and chill. Reserve the drippings in the pot.

2. Brown the Beef:

   • In the same pot with the reserved drippings, add the cubed beef chuck.
   • Brown the beef, adding more oil if necessary to prevent sticking.

3. Simmer the Base:

   • Add water, chopped onion, instant chicken bouillon granules, and dried thyme to the pot with the beef.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
   • Cover and simmer for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Add Vegetables:

   • After the initial simmering time, add diced potato, turnip, green sweet pepper, celery, and tomatoes to the pot.
   • Stir to combine all ingredients.

5. Finish Cooking:

   • Return the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables and meat are tender and fully cooked through.

6. Incorporate Chicken and Season:

   • Once the vegetables and meat are tender, stir in the cooked chicken that was set aside earlier.
   • Heat through until the chicken is warmed.

7. Season to Taste:

   • Season the stew with salt and additional pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Midwest Living’s Bouja / Burgoo is a complete meal in itself, perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve it hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. This stew also makes for a great dish to share at potlucks or family gatherings, showcasing the robust flavors of the Midwest.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 249
• Total Fat: 7.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.2g
• Cholesterol: 74mg
• Sodium: 736.1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 19.3g
  • Fiber: 4.7g
  • Sugar: 3.5g
• Protein: 28g

Recipe Notes:

• Storing: This stew can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.
• Ingredient Variations: Feel free to customize this stew based on your preferences or what you have available. You can add other vegetables like carrots or peas, or even include traditional ingredients like squirrel if desired.
• Cooking Tips: Ensure the meat and vegetables are diced into uniform sizes for even cooking. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences, as the bouillon granules already add saltiness to the stew.

Conclusion:

Midwest Living’s Bouja / Burgoo is a celebration of Midwest comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients to create a stew that warms both the body and the soul. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or to impress guests at a gathering, this stew is sure to delight with its hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients. Enjoy the process of simmering this stew on your stove, filling your home with the inviting aroma of a homemade meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.