Hoodie weather is back, and that means it's time for warm, hearty food. In the South, the last thing you want to eat during the summer months is a soup or stew, which is probably the same temperature as the humidity-filled air.
Fall is the perfect time to bust out these brothy or creamy creations—and not fear that one bite may contribute to heatstroke. It also just happens to be when many root vegetables are in peak season. Hmm…
A root vegetable stew is both comforting and filling, and the recipe I found also happens to be a healthy, low-fat version. It only contains a small amount of oil and margarine—the rest is just stock, herbs, and vegetables.
So this fall, "how you gonna kick it? Gonna kick it root down." A little Friday afternoon Beastie Boys for you. Enjoy.
Roasted Root Vegetable Stew
1 head of garlic
Oil for roasting the garlic
1 cup peeled and diced Yukon potatoes
1 cup peeled and diced sweet potatoes
1 cup peeled and diced parsnips
1 cup peeled and diced carrots
1 cup peeled and diced rutabagas
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. soy margarine
1 large leek, sliced
1 cup apple cider
4 cups vegetable stock or water
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp. fresh sage
Salt and pepper, to taste
•Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut off the top third of the head of garlic. Sprinkle a little oil onto the exposed cut and loosely wrap the garlic in foil. Place in the oven to roast.
•In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and rutabagas with the 3 Tbsp. oil.
•Spread the vegetables evenly onto a cookie sheet and place in the oven. Roast for approximately 15 minutes.
•Melt the margarine in a large sauté pan and add the leeks. Cook for about 3 minutes, then add the roasted root vegetables and the apple cider and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
•Add the stock or water, thyme, bay leaves, and sage. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
•Remove the garlic from oven and squeeze out the cloves into a small bowl. Mash well with a fork and stir into the stew.
•Season with the salt and pepper and serve hot.
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Comments ( 4 )
Mmmm that sounds good. I am going to have to go and make some! I don't think I have had a rutabaga or parsnips before!
Posted by g.gregory | October 12, 2007 10:28 PM
Posted on October 12, 2007 22:28
This sounds so wonderful and warming. I really love the idea of the apple cider. Delicious!
Posted by Dayna | October 15, 2007 12:48 AM
Posted on October 15, 2007 00:48
REMEMBER TO REMOVE THE BAY LEAF!!!! BAY LEAVES SHOULD NOT BE EATEN!!!
Posted by Katheryne | October 17, 2007 10:23 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 10:23
OOOO Amy this looks so good. I think I will make it but also add celery root.
I love celery root and am always looking for places where I can use it. Celery root looks scary in the store, but once you take it home wash it and peel it, it becomes this rad flavor powerhouse. woot. :)
Posted by Mylie | October 17, 2007 10:27 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 10:27