Savor the Flavor and Health Benefits of Stew (2024)

FAQs

What are the health benefits of stew? ›

A stew can be a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals depending on the ingredients used, but it may not provide all of the essential nutrients needed for optimal health.

Wondering if stews are healthy? Of course they can be! These stew recipes pack a major flavor punch with lighter ingredients like beans, fresh veggies and lean meats for a better-for-you meal. Check out even more healthy stew recipes right here.

Stews are any dish made by stewing, a method of cooking by which food is barely covered with liquid and simmered slowly for a long period of time in a tightly covered pot. Stewing not only tenderizes tough pieces of meat but also allows the flavors of the ingredients to blend.

Chuck. Chuck is one of the leaner types of beef, making it perfect for stews because it melts into delicious pieces as it cooks. A chuck roast has a large amount of connective tissue, which allows it to retain its moisture during the cooking process.

Wonderfully aromatic, super cozy, and filled with so many goodies – tender chunks of steak, mushrooms, potatoes, and carrots. All good things here, stewing in that perfectly hearty, rich gravy.

Stews, while good on their own, are often served as a topping for solid starchy ingredients, like rice, polenta, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Some stews, such as chili, are often best served with their own set of toppings such as sour cream or shredded cheese.

People have been stewing for centuries. There is archeological evidence that tribal Amazonians used spent turtle shells to stew meats 8,000 years ago. Stew was mentioned in the biblical story of Cain & Abel and in a fourth-century Roman cookbook, Apicius.

What is the secret to good stew? ›

"Soups and stews really need to simmer for long periods to allow the ingredients to meld together. Taking that a step further, most soups and stews are better if you prepare them the day before serving. Allowing them to cool and then reheating them really helps bring out the flavors and textures."

Add spices such as turmeric, coriander and cumin at the early stage of cooking, when you are frying onions and garlic, to enhance the taste of the beef stew. Fresh herbs like coriander and bay leaves also contribute a distinct flavour without making the dish too spicy for the younger members of the family.

Chuck meat is your best bet for beef stew, but it's also a pretty tough cut so it needs time to break down and become tender. Rush the cooking process and the beef will be tough and chewy. Follow this tip: For really tender meat, cook the stew low and slow, for approximately two hours.

This beef stew combines beef with a list of other ingredients like potatoes, broth, vegetables, herbs, and spices for a dish that is savory and rich in flavor. Plus, it's packed with nutrients! You'll get the protein from the beef, healthy carbs from the potato, and vitamins and fiber from the vegetables.

Meat that is cubed or cut into chunks for stewed dishes is often referred to as stew meat. The best cuts of stew meat are lean with a bit of fat marbling.

Studies have shown that eating broth- or vegetable-based soups (either hot or cold) as the first course of a meal decreases the amount of total calories consumed at that meal. The key is to stick to lower-calorie, higher-fiber soups like vegetable bean or minestrone.

The Bottom Line. By opting for lean meats, giving preference to vegetables, and selecting healthy carbohydrates, you can create a hearty stew that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also moves you closer to your weight loss objectives this season.