Hearty Bean and Vegetable Stew 🍲

Overview:

This Hearty Bean and Vegetable Stew recipe is a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting lunch or snack, whether you’re vegan, kosher, or just looking for a nutritious option packed with beans, fruits, and vegetables. With a cooking time of 9 hours, including 8 hours of preparation, this stew is well worth the wait, yielding a total of 10 servings to enjoy and share with friends and family.

• Prep Time: 8 hours
• Cook Time: 9 hours
• Total Time: 17 hours
• Calories per Serving: 114.2
• Serving Size: 1 bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup diced parsnip
• 1/2 cup sliced carrot
• 1/2 cup sliced mushroom
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped basil
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup rice or pasta
• 3 cups mixed beans (such as black, red kidney, pinto, baby lima, lentil, green and/or yellow split peas)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Beans: Start by sorting and rinsing the beans, then soak them overnight in water to soften them up for cooking.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Decadent Cafe Liegeois: Espresso-Infused Ice Cream with Whipped Cream
   • 
     Golden Crunch Delight: Macadamia Toffee Chip Cookies
   • 
     Mexican Fiesta Bell Pepper Bake
   • 
     Sweet & Tangy Glazed Meatloaf

2. Crockpot Setup: Once the beans are ready, drain them and place them in the crockpot, ensuring it’s clean and ready for the stew.

3. Add Flavor: Pour in the dry white wine, soy sauce, and water to enhance the stew’s taste and richness. The addition of apple or pineapple juice lends a subtle sweetness to balance the flavors.

4. Adjust Liquid: Depending on your preference for a thicker stew or a more soup-like consistency, cover the ingredients with vegetable stock or water accordingly. This step allows you to tailor the dish to your liking.

5. Cooking Phase 1: Set the crockpot to high heat and let the stew cook for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse the beans and vegetables.

6. Vegetable Addition: After 2 hours, it’s time to add in the chopped celery, diced parsnip, sliced carrot, sliced mushroom, diced onion, chopped basil, chopped parsley, bay leaf, minced garlic, and black pepper. These vegetables and herbs contribute to the stew’s heartiness and aroma.

7. Slow Cook: Switch the crockpot to low heat and let the stew simmer for an additional 5-6 hours, ensuring that the carrots and parsnips become tender and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

8. Final Touch: When the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well-developed, add in the rice or pasta of your choice. Allow it to cook for one more hour, absorbing the delicious essence of the stew.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is fully cooked and all the ingredients have melded together beautifully, serve it hot in bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes:

• Variety of Beans: For added texture and flavor, consider using a mixture of beans such as black, red kidney, pinto, baby lima, lentil, and green and/or yellow split peas. This combination adds depth to the stew and makes it more satisfying.

• Customization: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your unique version of this hearty stew.

• Storage: This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy it as a convenient and nutritious meal throughout the week.

• Sharing is Caring: This Hearty Bean and Vegetable Stew is perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to share a delicious and comforting dish with loved ones. So don’t hesitate to make a big batch and spread the joy of homemade cooking! 🥣🌿🍅