Ahhh! Winter cold means a pot of stew. Grab the meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion and we’ll have an old favorite … again!
How about trying something new this year? Have you ever eaten Pantry Stew? No? Well, boys and girls, you are in luck.
Do you need a prescription? Oh I forgot to tell you, there is no recipe. Just open up some cans of food from your pantry and toss them into the crock pot until it’s as full as you want and you’re waiting for a new taste of delicious!
Seriously, it’s that easy. However, I will give you some tips to help you through the process. After all, we want to be a bit picky about what we put in our Pantry Stew.
Most of us will want to start with some type of meat or chicken and the broth to cook it. Vegetable lovers will prefer to use beans for their protein and perhaps use broth to enhance the flavors. Other flavor enhancers include garlic, cumin, marjoram, bay leaf, or chili powder.
To give your stew a good base, look in your cabinets and refrigerator. Try shredded cabbage, rice, couscous, or barley. Don’t overlook squash this time of year; the small cubes will add texture, flavor and color to your stew. How about turnips, onions?
Now for the pantry, what do you have there? Are there cans of vegetables that your family doesn’t eat very well as a side dish? This is your chance to add some nutritious foods that they will eat. Don’t forget some beans: chickpeas, black beans, lime, and others.
If your family likes tomatoes, add a can or two of diced tomatoes. From the freezer add a box of finely chopped spinach or broccoli – trust me, it will taste good.
You know the flavors that your family loves; focus on those foods. Do you like spicy foods? Garlic and onion? Soups rich in pasta? A lot of potatoes (put them in a potato chip bag)? Try some new combinations as you spend the odds and wind up in your kitchen.
Get ready to pamper your palate!