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Poor Man’s Stew

Poor Man’s Stew
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Poor Man’s Stew is a warm, hearty, and budget-friendly dish combining simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, onions, and either ground beef or lentils in a rich, flavorful broth. This comforting stew is easy to prepare, flexible for various dietary needs, and perfect for chilly nights when you want a filling and satisfying meal without hassle.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • Potatoes – 4 medium, peeled and chopped
  • Carrots – 3 medium, peeled and chopped
  • Onions – 2 medium, peeled and chopped
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

Protein

  • Ground beef – 1 pound (or 1 cup dried lentils for vegetarian option)

Liquids

  • Beef or vegetable broth – 4 cups

Other Ingredients

  • Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
  • Oil or butter – 2 tablespoons

Seasonings

  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Thyme – 1 teaspoon dried (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • Bay leaves – 2

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and chop the potatoes, carrots, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to release its aroma during cooking.
  2. Brown the Protein: In a large pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat and sauté the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If using lentils, you can skip this step or sauté the onions and garlic first.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add onions and garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant. Then stir in carrots and potatoes, allowing them to get a slight sear to boost their flavor.
  4. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Mix in tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly, which deepens the stew’s color and flavor.
  5. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in beef or vegetable broth to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld together.
  6. Final Taste and Adjustments: Check seasoning and adjust salt or spices as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving to keep every bite pleasant.

Notes

  • Brown the Meat Properly: Take time to brown your ground beef well for richer flavor.
  • Don’t Rush the Simmer: Slow cooking allows flavors to develop and veggies to become tender.
  • Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: Fresh enhances aroma, but dried works well too in a pinch.
  • Season Gradually: Season throughout cooking to layer flavor rather than waiting until the end.
  • Thicken if Needed: Mash a few potato pieces in the stew to naturally thicken the broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Poor Man’s Stew, budget recipe, hearty stew, simple dinner, comfort food, vegetarian option, easy stew, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/poor-mans-stew/