Hearty Sweet Potato Stew

Many people crave a hearty stew in the fall. It's warming and satisfying. It's easy to make a rich autumn stew. By using plenty of vegetables and low calorie options, this sweet potato stew is a healthy alternative to high-fat, cream or meat based soups.

To make this a complete meal, add in a fresh garden salad and garlic bread.

Ingredients
1 onion, chopped finely
1 stalk celery, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and diced
4 white potatoes, peeled and cubed
6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
6 cups water
6 tsp beef, chicken, or vegetable bullion powder
2 Tb. olive oil
1 ½ Tb Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried dill weed
½ tsp garlic powder
1 Tb. red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp mustard powder
¼ cup flour
4 Tb. butter
1 cup low fat milk
cornstarch (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large stock pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the carrots, white potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Cook for about 20 minutes over medium heat, or until tender.

As that is cooking, sauté the onion and celery in the olive oil, along with the red wine vinegar, until tender. Make this into rue by melting the butter with the onion and celery, then adding the flour until fully coated. Slowly add the milk, continually stirring and cooking, until thick and bubbly.

Add the rue and all the remaining ingredients, except the cornstarch, to the stock pot with the potato mixture. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors mix. If a thicker stew is desired, simply mix 2 or 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a little cold water, and slowly add to the stew, stirring and heating until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe Options and Variations

Add various veggies to the potatoes. Try adding a handful or two of corn, peas, or parsnips. To give it a kick, a green jalapeño hot sauce can be added sparingly. For a little depth, add a ½ tsp of smoke flavoring to the stew when the rest of the spices are added.

It's easy to make this recipe in a crock pot, as well. Just add all the ingredients in the morning. Put on high for 1 hour, and then turn to low and let cook until dinner time. You can also double the recipe and reheat for lunch or dinner the next day. This healthy autumn stew reheats wonderfully.

Source:
Personal Experience