Hearty Polish Potato Stew
This comforting Hearty Polish Potato Stew is a delightful homage to my grandmother's resourceful cooking during tough times. With tender russet potatoes, vibrant diced tomatoes, and sweet carrots, this dish is rich in flavor and history. Enhanced with flavorful bacon fat and fresh garlic, this stew can serve as a hearty side or be transformed into a filling main dish by adding sliced Polish sausage or leftover ham. Whether you're revisiting a classic Depression-era recipe or seeking a simple, delicious meal, this stew is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rendered bacon fat
4 tablespoons (none)
Russet potatoes
4 (peeled and cubed)
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (none)
Diced tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (none)
Garlic
1 clove (pressed)
Sliced carrots
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained or 1 1/2 cups fresh cooked)
Bay leaf
1 (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the rendered bacon fat over low heat.
2
Add the peeled and cubed russet potatoes along with the chopped onion. Cover the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the potatoes start to soften, about 15-20 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained sliced carrots (or fresh cooked carrots), bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover.
6
Cook for another 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7
Remove the bay leaf before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Polish Potato Stew?
It is a comforting and resourceful dish made with russet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and carrots, rooted in Polish Depression-era cooking.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are recommended because they become tender and absorb the flavors of the stew well.
How many potatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the 4 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat with butter or a vegetable oil to make it vegetarian.
What kind of fat is used for sautéing?
The recipe traditionally uses 4 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat for a rich, smoky flavor.
How much onion should I add?
Use 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
What is the first step in cooking the stew?
Heat the rendered bacon fat in a large pot over low heat.
How long do I sauté the potatoes and onions?
Sauté them for 15-20 minutes until the onions are translucent and the potatoes begin to soften.
Should the pot be covered while sautéing?
Yes, cover the pot while sautéing the potatoes and onions, stirring occasionally.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 1 clove of garlic, which should be pressed or minced.
When do I add the garlic?
Stir in the minced garlic after the potatoes and onions have sautéed for 15-20 minutes.
How long should the garlic cook?
Cook the garlic for just one minute until it becomes fragrant.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, add the diced tomatoes along with their juice to provide liquid for the stew.
How many cans of tomatoes are used?
You will need two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
Can I use fresh carrots instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 1.5 cups of fresh cooked carrots as a substitute for one 14.5-ounce can of sliced carrots.
What herbs are used in the base?
A single bay leaf is added during the simmering process for depth of flavor.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
After adding all ingredients, let the mixture simmer for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the stew is finished?
The stew is ready when the potatoes are completely tender.
Should I remove the bay leaf?
Yes, always remove the bay leaf before serving the stew.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely; you can add sliced Polish sausage or leftover ham to turn it into a filling main course.
What can I use for a garnish?
Fresh herbs can be used as a garnish to add extra flavor and color.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple, one-pot recipe that is very easy to follow.
What is the historical significance of this recipe?
It is inspired by resourceful Depression-era cooking, often passed down through Polish families.
How do I season the stew?
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste when adding the tomatoes and carrots.
What heat level is used for simmering?
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer after all the vegetables and seasonings are added.
What is the prep for the carrots?
If using canned carrots, they should be drained; if using fresh, they should be pre-cooked.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, this stew works wonderfully as either a hearty side dish or a main meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on canned items and bacon fat.
How do you prepare the garlic?
The recipe specifies using 1 pressed clove of garlic.
What makes this stew hearty?
The combination of starchy russet potatoes and the richness of the bacon fat creates a satisfying, dense texture.