Heathy Autumn Stew Recipes

Cooler temperatures, turning leaves, and warm comforting stews are just a few of the things that come to mind when we think of the fall season. So how can you meet the desires for the warm, comforting stews that we crave during this time of year and still eat healthy? It really isn't as hard of a task as it sounds. There are many vegetables that are abundant during the fall growing season that are healthy, nutritious, and delicious. Here are a couple of flavor-filled healthy fall stew recipes.

Cabbage Stew

Ingredients:

1 small head of cabbage
1 large onion
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup sliced parsnips
1 pound potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 pound lean stew meat
6 cups beef broth
4 cloves of garlic
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoons olive or canola oil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until the onion is clear but not browned. Remove the onion and garlic from the oil and add the stew meat. Brown the stew meat in the oil. Combine the meat and vegetables in a large stew pot. You can also use lowfat sausage in place of the beef, just substitute chicken broth in place of the beef broth. Add the beef broth, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender and the meat is done. Remove bay leaf before serving. This recipe will also easily adapt to cooking in a slow cooker. Follow the same directions as above and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or low for about 8 hours.

Beef Barley Stew

Ingredients:

1 pound Lean Beef Stew Meat
1 cup potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 bag frozen vegetables for soup or stew
1 can tomatoes
1 12 ounce can V8 juice
1/2 barley
6 cups Beef broth
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoons olive or canola oil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Brown the meat in the oil until seared on all sides. Combine all ingredients in a large stew pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables and barley are done and meat is tender. Remove bay leaf before serving. This recipe can also easily be adapted for slow cooking. Simply follow the above directions and then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours.

The next time the weather turns cold and you are looking for a warm, healthy, and delicious easy meal idea why not try out one of these healthy fall stew recipes? They are packed with nutrition, filling, and healthy.

Sources:
Personal experience.