Why Make This Recipe
Hearty Cabbage & Bean Stew is a warm and filling dish perfect for cold days. It combines healthy vegetables and protein-rich beans with tender meat, making it a nutritious meal. This stew is not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, using ingredients that are easy to find. It’s a great option for family dinners or meal prep.
How to Make Hearty Cabbage & Bean Stew
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp duck fat or olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1/2 green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can white beans (15 oz / 425 g), drained
- 1 ham hock or duck leg
- 6 cups chicken stock (1.5 L)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the duck fat or olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion, diced carrots, and chopped leek for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften.
- Add the ham hock or duck leg, chopped cabbage, drained white beans, and chicken stock to the pot.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
- Once the meat is tender, remove the bones from the pot. Shred the meat and return it to the pot.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.
How to Serve Hearty Cabbage & Bean Stew
Serve this stew hot in a bowl. It is delicious on its own or paired with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor.
How to Store Hearty Cabbage & Bean Stew
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure it’s heated thoroughly.
Tips to Make Hearty Cabbage & Bean Stew
- If you want more vegetables, feel free to add potatoes or celery to the mix.
- For a richer flavor, sauté the vegetables a bit longer until they start to caramelize.
- You can adjust the seasonings to your preference. Adding garlic or smoked paprika can enhance the taste.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by using different types of beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace the ham hock or duck leg with other meats like beef or pork for a different flavor.
2. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can follow the same steps, then transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels on the stock and beans to ensure they don’t contain any gluten.
