Kentucky Bourbon Stew Recipe 🍲
Overview:
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Kentucky Bourbon Stew, a hearty dish perfect for cozy gatherings with loved ones. This recipe offers a delightful twist with a hint of bourbon and an array of fall/winter root vegetables, creating a comforting meal that will warm both body and soul. While it requires some patience, the end result is well worth the wait, delivering a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone craving for more. So, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into the culinary journey!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: Adjust according to your needs
Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup Bourbon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 onions, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chili pepper (optional for added heat)
- Water
- 2 pounds beef (such as chuck), cubed
- 2 pounds pork, cubed
- 4 chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 parsnip, diced
- 1 turnip, diced
- 1 baking potato, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Meat:
- Place beef and pork in a bowl.
- Add garlic and bourbon, ensuring the meat is well coated.
- Marinate overnight, turning the meat occasionally.
-
Prepare the Stockpot:
- Reserve the marinade liquid.
- In a heavy stockpot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
-
Sear the Meat:
- Once hot, sear the beef and pork in batches until golden brown on all sides.
-
Add Aromatics:
- Add quartered onions, minced garlic, and chili pepper (if using) to the pot.
-
Simmer:
- Cover the meat and vegetables with water and reserved marinade.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for approximately 3 hours.
-
Add Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add them to the pot during the last hour and a half of cooking.
-
Prepare Vegetables:
- After 3 hours, remove the meat and cooked vegetables from the pot.
- Allow the meat to cool, then discard the vegetables.
-
Cook Remaining Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion, carrots, parsnip, turnip, potato, tomatoes, celery, green beans, and brown sugar to the pot of hot liquid.
- Cook for an additional hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Cube the Meat:
- While the vegetables cook, cube the cooled meat, removing any chicken skin and bones.
- Aim for approximately 1-inch cubes for a perfect bite.
-
Final Assembly:
- Return the cubed meat to the pot and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Accompany with a basket of homemade rolls or crusty French bread.
- Watch as your guests savor every spoonful, coming back for seconds and thirds!
Recipe Notes:
- This stew develops richer flavors when allowed to sit for a day or two, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season.
- For a deeper bourbon flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon towards the end of cooking.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a truly delicious stew.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 741.8
- Total Fat: 26.1g
- Saturated Fat: 7.3g
- Cholesterol: 153.6mg
- Sodium: 218.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 8.9g
- Sugar: 17.8g
- Protein: 50.6g
Keywords:
One Dish Meal, Pork, Poultry, Meat, Weeknight, Stove Top
Final Thoughts:
Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive gathering, our Kentucky Bourbon Stew promises to be the star of the meal, bringing warmth and satisfaction to all who indulge. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the slow-cooking process, and prepare to delight your taste buds with every spoonful of this comforting masterpiece!