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need help on a stew recipe

2K views 20 replies 12 participants last post by  pete 
#1 ·
Ive been really into stews recently. keep in mind this is just cooking for myself as I am just learing. I usually like to fill up an 8qt pot and have it for the week.

Ive also been trying to make use of my new cast iron dutch oven (i think its 5qt).

With that said, I need to cook something though I am drawing a blank as what to cook. wondering if anyone has any ideas on what I can make. preferably on the cheaper side. Ive always wanted to cook with lamb but I cant afford it...

thanks guys.
 
#2 ·
Pasta e Fagioli (pasta and beans)

Inexpensive because it's all about common vegetables and beans. I suppose you can argue whether this is a stew or a soup. It's cooking time is short compared to a stew because it has little to no meat. But it's very thick which brings it more into the stew category. And if you cook your own beans, you can consider that stewing of the protein. 
 
#4 ·
One of my favorite dishes to cook, and one of the few ways my 9 year old daughter doesn't object to sweet potatoes, is to make Ground Nut Stew.  It's a somewhat spicy stew (you can control how hot), from Western Africa.  It's made with chicken and finished off with peanut butter (traditionally, finely ground peanuts).  We love it here, and make it often throughout the year.
 
#5 ·
I am a huge peanut and peanut butter fan.... will definitely look into this and make it. If I dont make it now I will in the future!

I am kind of set on this yogurt thing at the moment. maybe something indian. still not sure.
 
#6 ·
Yesterday I went to a Pakistani restaurant in the Phoenix area.  I had Fresh Karahi.   Chunks of meat cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, yogurt, garlic and homemade curry spices.  It was a little sweet and they confirmed they added a little honey.  Served with rice and Tandoori Bread it was very good.  It was available with different meats we chose the Goat.
 
#7 ·
Yes Ive been looking for similar dishes like that. There is an indian dish that I think is the same.

I just want to try this meat and yogurt diet that I just learned about that I guess is known to old mongolia or something like that.

thanks for the advice.
 
#8 ·
You can make yugurtlu which is a Turkish stew with meat and tomatoes and served with yogurt.

Lani is not so expensive. Go to the butcher and ask for shoulder of lamb. It's perfect for a long simmered stew and since you're only cooking for yourself a pound will do and it's very cheap.
 
#17 · (Edited)
One of my favorite dishes to cook, and one of the few ways my 9 year old daughter doesn't object to sweet potatoes, is to make Ground Nut Stew. It's a somewhat spicy stew (you can control how hot), from Western Africa. It's made with chicken and finished off with peanut butter (traditionally, finely ground peanuts). We love it here, and make it often throughout the year.
That sounds very interesting and I want to try making it with PB2 powdered peanut butter. I looked at several recipies and the ingredient lists are all over the place. Would you mind sharing yours?
 
#18 ·
ChefHoff, I'd love to give you a recipe, but this is one of those dishes that I have never measured out, and change up often, but I'll give you the basics.  Sorry it's vague, but its the best recipe I can come up with on the fly.

2 pounds chicken,, boneless & skinless, cut into 1 inch chunks (sometimes I use breast meat, sometimes thigh-sometimes I use whole, bone-in thighs, but get rid of the skin)

1 large or 2 small onions, diced

3-5 cloves garlic, minced

1-3 tablespoons of minced ginger

3-4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

1 large can of diced or crushed tomato

chicken stock

cayenne pepper, add to your level of heat, it should have a bit of kick to it at least

salt

pepper

curry powder, optional (no more than a tablespoon)

chopped cilantro, optional

peanut butter, either creamy or chunky

Heat oil in a pot and brown the chicken.  Remove and add the onion.  Saute until translucent.  Add garlic and ginger and cook 2-3 minutes.  Add curry powder and cayenne.  Cook another minute then add the tomato.  Add the chicken back in along with the sweet potatoes.  Add enough chicken stock just to cover.  Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and add peanut butter, 1 large spoonful at a time, and stir it in.  Continue adding peanut butter until you get  the consistency and flavor you want-usually about 1/2 cup.  Cook until sweet potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked all the way through (if using whole pieces add the chicken first, cook for 15 minutes then add the sweet potato).   Season with salt and pepper.  Add more cayenne, if necessary.  Allow to cook for 5 minutes longer.  Add chopped cilantro if using.  Allow to sit a couple of minutes longer then serve.
 
#19 · (Edited)
@pete Thanks. I can't wait to try it. I actually prefer just ingredient list and basic cooking instructions. That way I can tweak it to my tastes. I will go heavy on the cayenne and might even add other heat. Using the PB2 vs regular peanut butter I will probably add some additional sweetness.

In case you are unfamiliar with PB2:
https://www.bellplantation.com/https://www.bellplantation.com/
 
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