Potato Stew Recipe
Description
🥔 A yummy side dish that can easily transform into a comforting main course by adding sliced Polish sausage or leftover ham. This recipe holds a special historical significance, originating as a “Depression” meal when my Polish grandmother couldn’t afford meat. She ingeniously relied on her home-canned carrots and tomatoes from the cellar, along with potatoes from the root cellar.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180.5 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 355.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 41.8g
- Fiber Content: 7.2g
- Sugar Content: 10g
- Protein Content: 4.8g
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | bacon fat |
| 4 | russet potatoes |
| 1/2 | onion |
| 2 | diced tomatoes |
| 1 | garlic clove |
| 1 | carrot |
| 1 | bay leaf |
| – | salt |
| – | pepper |
Instructions
-
Heat a large skillet over low heat and add the bacon fat.
-
-
Peel and slice the russet potatoes thinly, and finely chop the onion. Saute them in the bacon fat, covered, until the onions become transparent, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
-
Crush the garlic clove and add it to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes.
-
Peel and slice the carrot, then add it to the skillet.
-
Toss in the bay leaf for added flavor.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Allow the stew to simmer gently until the potatoes are tender, typically about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Once the potatoes are cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serving Suggestions
🍽️ This hearty potato stew is a delightful dish on its own, but you can elevate it further by pairing it with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, consider adding slices of cooked Polish sausage or diced leftover ham directly into the stew, allowing them to warm through before serving.
Tips
- Variation: Experiment with different root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips for added depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making a double batch and storing leftovers in the fridge for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Freezing: This stew freezes exceptionally well. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers once cooled and enjoy a taste of homemade comfort on busy weeknights.
Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of this comforting potato stew, a humble yet flavorful dish that honors tradition while satisfying modern appetites!
