Fall is that time of the year when the crisps of air just about take over the landscape. And there is nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty stew simmering on the stovetop. Stews are one of those quintessential meals during the season that bring tender meat and root vegetables in a manner of flavorful broths to warm the soul. From classic to new spins on a classic, the following are 10 of the best stew recipes that will satiate your taste buds and keep you cozy during the cold season.
Classic Beef Stew
Fall stew without conjuring classic beef stew is very hard. This stew could be called the ultimate comfort food due to its succulent chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions that have slowly simmered in a rich beef broth. Red wine is added at times for flavor, as are herbs such as rosemary and thyme for an even deeper, more complex taste. This is comfort food at its best and perfect for any chilly evening with crusty bread to dip in the juices.
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
4 cups beef broth
2 cups red wine
4 large carrots, chopped
3 potatoes, diced
2 onions, diced
Fresh rosemary and thyme
Chicken and Butternut Squash Stew
Another light but fantastic option for stew is chicken and butternut squash stew. Butternut squash adds a lot of really natural sweetness to the dish, while chicken adds a lean protein base. Adding cinnamon and nutmeg with a splash of cream adds this dish as characteristically does. It would be a great option for those people who like a more subtle flavor method with a coming together of savory and sweet.
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless chicken thighs 1 butternut squash – peeled, and cubed 1 onion – chopped 3 cloves garlic – minced 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg 1 cup heavy cream
Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables
When you want something a little more decadent, it’s hard to go wrong with a lamb stew with root vegetables. The richness of the lamb goes so well with earthy root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and carrots. The lamb, when cooked for a long period, is such that it just melts in your mouth, while the vegetables take in all the flavor from the meat. A splash of red wine and handfuls of fresh herbs and this dish might be suitable for culinary royalty.
Ingredients:
2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
4 parsnips, chopped
3 turnips, diced
4 carrots, sliced
1 cup red wine
4 cups lamb stock
Fresh rosemary and thyme
Seafood Stew
The stew could contain some great seafood, for those who want to have a little something different from the ordinary meat stews. This stew is savory and salty, packed with shrimp, mussels, clams, and white fish, and manages to feel both decadent and comforting. It is light and hearty, due to the Mediterranean-style tomato broth flavored with garlic, saffron, and fennel, and perfect for an autumn dinner.
Ingredients:
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb mussels
1 pound clams
1 pound white fish, such as cod, cubed
4 cups fish broth
1 can diced tomatoes
Saffron and fennel seeds
Moroccan Spiced Stew
To give a globally inspired stew some great color, flavor, and texture, Moroccan spiced stew is just the thing. Make it with lamb or beef and simmer it with aromatic spices of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Dried apricots or raisins are added to cut savory spices with sweetness. Chickpeas, carrots, and zucchini add body to this rich and fragrant evening meal so ideally suited for the evening of a fall season.
Ingredients:
1 pound of lamb or beef, cubed 1 can chickpeas, drained 2 carrots sliced 2 zucchinis chopped ½ cup dried apricots 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp turmeric ½ tsp cinnamon
Vegetarian Lentil Stew
This lentil stew is a healthy and full-of-flavor vegetarian option. A staple in many cuisines, lentils are what form the hearty base of this stew; vegetables round it out: sweet potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes. Flavorful with cumin, garlic, and smoked paprika, this stew is a meal in itself. Above all, this will be great for a meatless Monday or anyone who wants to consume less meat.
Ingredients:
2 cups lentils
1 sweet potato, diced
2 cups spinach
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Irish Lamb Stew
A time-honored, more robust option would be Irish lamb stew. It is uncomplicated, simple, and passed on through generations. The lamb stew turns out tender and is prepared low and slow with potatoes and onions. There’s a rich, comforting broth to the stew because it is sometimes thickened with a bit of flour or mashed potatoes, which is fine for those cold fall nights.
Ingredients:
2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
5 potatoes, diced
2 onions, sliced
4 cups lamb broth
1 tbsp flour
Mushroom and Barley Stew
For a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option, the stew of mushroom and barley is really good. Mushrooms give a meaty texture, barley adds a nutty flavor and chewy mouthfeel. The earthy flavors of mushrooms merge nicely with fresh thyme and a touch of white wine to make this stew warm and comfortable for fall.
Ingredients
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 cup barley
1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup white wine; 4 cups vegetable broth; Fresh thyme.
Spicy Sausage and White Bean Stew
If you like a little heat in your stew, this spicy sausage and white bean stew will warm you right up. With its Italian sausage and white beans, mixed with kale and tomatoes, this stew is both filled with flavor and filling. A shake of red pepper flakes gives it just the right kick to make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
2 cans white beans, drained · 4 cups chicken broth · 1 bunch kale, chopped · 1 can diced tomatoes · 1 tsp red pepper flakes ·
Pumpkin and Black Bean Stew
Nothing screams fall like pumpkin does, and this black bean and pumpkin stew is a little something different from classic fall flavors. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin pairs quite well with the earthy flavor of the black beans. Seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and coriander, this stew is a flavorful and plant-based option that will satisfy vegans and meat lovers alike.
Ingredients:
1 can pumpkin puree
2 cans of black beans, drained
1 onion, chopped
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp coriander
Classic beef stew, the unique flavor of pumpkin, and black bean stew-the list goes on and on for fall’s hearty meals that will keep you warm and satisfied. So, comforting and celebratory, these stews make the most of seasonal ingredients that make fall great. Try one or all of these best stew recipes in which you really can taste the essence of autumn in every bite.