Hearty Vegetable Stew with Fluffy Herb Dumplings
This Hearty Vegetable Stew with Fluffy Herb Dumplings is a wholesome and flavorful dish that has become a staple in my family's kitchen. Drawing inspiration from the beloved cookbook 'Tis the Season - A Very Vegetarian Christmas' by Nanette Blanchard, this stew can be enjoyed year-round, although it's particularly comforting during the chilly fall and winter months. Packed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, this recipe creates a cozy atmosphere that feels just like home. The original version of this stew features a puff pastry crust, which makes it elegant for special occasions; however, I prefer it with delicious dumplings that transform it into a comforting weeknight meal. The fluffy dumplings are the highlight, and trust me, my family often fights over the last bites! This dish is perfect for a family Sunday dinner and comes together quickly, allowing you to savor its rich flavors and delightful textures. Enjoy this nourishing stew that is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it is in mine.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons
Flour
3 tablespoons
Vinegar (apple cider or sherry)
2 tablespoons
Light brown sugar
1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons
Vegetable broth
3 cups
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Carrots
2 large (chopped)
Red potatoes
4 medium (chopped (unpeeled))
Frozen sweet peas
1 cup
Frozen sweet corn
1 cup
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Bisquick
2/3 cup
Skim milk
3 tablespoons
Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary)
optional
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and tender.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
3
Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it is fully incorporated with the onion and garlic mixture.
4
Pour in the apple cider or sherry vinegar, followed by the light brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Stir until well combined.
5
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6
Add the ground cinnamon, chopped carrots, and chopped red potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the stew to cook for about 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened.
8
Stir in the frozen sweet peas and corn and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until they are heated through.
9
Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. At this point, the stew is ready to serve if you're not adding dumplings.
10
To make the dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick and skim milk. If using, add fresh herbs for added flavor.
11
Stir until a soft dough forms. Using a spoon, drop rounded teaspoons of the dough into the hot stew.
12
Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to steam for about 10 minutes. Turn the dumplings halfway through cooking for even doneness, especially if they are large.
13
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting combination of the hearty stew and fluffy dumplings!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
45g
Carbs
5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetable Stew with Fluffy Herb Dumplings?
It is a wholesome and flavorful vegetarian dish packed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for cold weather.
Who is the original inspiration for this stew?
The recipe is inspired by the cookbook 'Tis the Season - A Very Vegetarian Christmas' by Nanette Blanchard.
Can this stew be served for special occasions?
Yes, while this version uses dumplings, the original version used a puff pastry crust to make it elegant for holidays.
What type of oil should I use to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I cook the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent and tender.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the role of flour in this stew?
Flour is sprinkled over the sautéed onions and garlic to help thicken the stew base.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
You can use either apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar.
Why is brown sugar added to the recipe?
One tablespoon of light brown sugar is used to add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Is mustard used in this vegetable stew?
Yes, the recipe includes two tablespoons of Dijon mustard for added depth and tang.
What liquid forms the base of the stew?
The recipe uses three cups of vegetable broth.
Does this recipe contain any warm spices?
Yes, it contains 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Which vegetables are cooked first in the broth?
The chopped carrots and red potatoes are added to the broth first to simmer.
Do I need to peel the red potatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using medium red potatoes that are chopped but unpeeled.
How long do the root vegetables need to simmer?
They should simmer for about 45 minutes until tender and the stew has thickened.
When should I add the peas and corn?
Add the frozen sweet peas and corn after the initial 45-minute simmer, then cook for 10 more minutes.
What are the ingredients for the dumplings?
The dumplings are made from 2/3 cup Bisquick, 3 tablespoons of skim milk, and optional fresh herbs.
What herbs are suggested for the dumplings?
Fresh rosemary is a great option for flavoring the dumplings.
How do I cook the dumplings in the stew?
Drop rounded teaspoons of dough into the hot stew, cover the pot, and steam for about 10 minutes.
Should I turn the dumplings while they cook?
Yes, turning them halfway through ensures even doneness, especially if they are large.
How many calories are in a serving of this stew?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
One serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 45g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein and fiber does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 5g of protein and 5g of fiber.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian recipe using vegetable broth and a variety of vegetables.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
While it requires about an hour of cooking time, it is described as an easy recipe that comes together quickly for a family dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 18 ingredients including the optional herbs.
Can I omit the dumplings?
Yes, the stew is ready to serve after seasoning if you choose not to add dumplings.
What makes the dumplings fluffy?
The combination of Bisquick and milk, along with steaming them in a covered pot, creates their fluffy texture.