Rhubarb Chickpea Chuck Stew Recipe
This Rhubarb Chickpea Chuck stew is a hearty, flavorful dish that has been a family favorite for generations. Originating from a local newspaper about 30 years ago, it won first prize in a rhubarb recipe contest and was submitted by Mrs. Marcella Strand. The tender steak simmered in a slightly tangy rhubarb sauce is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or alongside a slice of crusty French bread. The savory yet slightly sour flavor profile makes it a unique dish that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories per Serving: 316.9 kcal
- Rating: ★★★★★ (2 reviews)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3 – 3 1/2 tablespoons |
| Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) | 2 cups |
| Fresh Rhubarb (cut into pieces) | 1 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic Clove (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Beef Bouillon Cube | 1/4 cube |
| Sugar | 1 – 2 tablespoons |
| Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 316.9 kcal |
| Fat | 9.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 104.6 mg |
| Sodium | 705.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21.9 g |
| Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Sugar | 6.7 g |
| Protein | 36.2 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Steak:
Start by cutting the steak into serving-sized pieces. This will allow for even cooking and tender meat once the stew is ready. -
Brown the Steak:
In a large Dutch oven or roasting pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly bubbling, add the steak pieces. Brown the steak on both sides, ensuring a nice golden sear. This will help lock in the flavors. -
Remove Steak and Add Vegetables:
Once the steak is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. -
Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Into the pan, add the chopped rhubarb, garbanzo beans, beef bouillon cube, sugar, chili powder, salt, and paprika. Stir the mixture well, ensuring that the bouillon cube dissolves completely into the liquid. You may need to add a little water or broth if the mixture seems too thick at this point. -
Return Steak to the Pan:
Once the ingredients are well combined, return the browned steak pieces to the pan. Stir to coat the meat with the flavorful sauce, and then cover the pan. -
Slow Cook the Stew:
Place the covered pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Let the stew cook slowly for about 3 hours, or until the meat becomes very tender. During the cooking process, turn the steak pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking and that the flavors infuse throughout the meat. -
Serving Suggestions:
Once the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the pan from the oven. Serve the Rhubarb Chickpea Chuck stew over mashed potatoes for a rich, satisfying meal. Alternatively, you can serve it with slices of hearty rye or French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. -
Crockpot Variation:
If you prefer to use a slow cooker, brown the steak first in a skillet, and then transfer all the ingredients to the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 to 8 1/2 hours. The result will be equally tender and flavorful, perfect for a busy day when you don’t want to spend time monitoring the stove.
Tips & Variations:
- Adjust the Sourness: Rhubarb can be quite tart, and the sugar in this recipe helps balance that out. If you prefer a more tangy dish, feel free to reduce the sugar by half.
- Meat Options: While this recipe uses steak, you can experiment with other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, which will also work well in this slow-cooked stew.
- Adding Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating carrots or potatoes along with the rhubarb for a heartier stew.
- Crockpot Cooking: If using the crockpot, remember that low and slow is the key. This method allows the meat to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the flavors of the stew.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Tender, Flavorful Steak: The slow cooking process ensures that the steak becomes fork-tender and infused with the tangy flavors of rhubarb and spices.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of rhubarb, chickpeas, and spices like chili powder and paprika gives this dish a unique and comforting flavor that’s both savory and slightly sour.
- Perfect for Family Meals: This stew is a fantastic family meal, especially when served over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and makes for great leftovers too.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you use the oven or the crockpot, this recipe offers flexibility for busy home cooks.
This recipe for Rhubarb Chickpea Chuck stew has been a beloved dish in many households for years, and it’s easy to see why. With tender steak, savory spices, and the unexpected addition of rhubarb, this stew will warm you up and leave your taste buds begging for more. Perfect for family dinners or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its rich, bold flavors.
