The temperatures are dropping, and that means it’s time for hearty, nourishing meals like stews to take center stage. The main difference between soups and stews are that soups have more liquid, where stews have more body to them. They often have a longer cook time than soup, because the ingredients need a low and slow cooking process versus the simmering required for soup. But from the Caribbean to Ireland, cultures all over the world have enjoyed making big batches of stew for its simplicity and health benefits. Try some of these recipes this winter to make sure that even when the weather is chilly, your kitchen is warm.
Stew Recipes
Mediterranean Stew
You might think “summer” when you hear “Mediterranean,” but it gets cold in countries like Italy and Spain. Plus, the Mediterranean diet never goes out of style with its focus on healthy, savory ingredients. Pro tip: This recipe leaves a lot of leftovers, and sometimes it’s even better the next day.
Beer Brat Stew
Brat girl summer came and went, and a new remix album made it a brat girl autumn. But it remains to be seen if we can keep the brat hype going into winter. For another take on brat, try this beer bratwurst recipe full of umami flavor and healthy proteins.
Irish Stew with Lamb and Curry
A classic from St. Patrick’s Day, this Irish lamb and curry stew can still be enjoyed any time of year and goes great with a slice of Irish soda bread. There’s even a little bit of Guinness in it to get the party started.
Curried White Bean Tomato Stew
The curry in this recipe from Liz Fetchin gives it an extra kick, but it’s an allergy-friendly recipe that anyone can enjoy. Tomato stew is rich, flavorful, and makes for a great weeknight dinner because of how fast and easy it is to make.
Kapustnica, Slovakian Christmas Stew
Pull this recipe out for a celebration. Whether you’re having a decadent Christmas dinner or just toasting a friend’s success, Kapustnica demands festive sharing. It’s also a chance to learn about Slovak tradition and hospitality—those Slavic countries are stew pros.
Philadelphia Pepper Pot Stew
This recipe has been a TABLE crowd favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The Caribbean-influenced spices, beef tripe, and cassava give it a complex and satisfying flavor that will warm you up on any cold night.
Dutch Treat Beef Stew
You may not think to include sweet ingredients into your stew but the Dutch do things differently with their apple pear syrup addition. To balance out those sweeter nuances, this Dutch Treat Beef Stew also features beer and garlic. It’s the perfect middle between each ends of the flavor spectrum all with tender chunks of beef.
Green Chile Stew
What could possibly be more warming than a stew recipe? One full of green chile. This ingredient is the star of the show in a mix of pork shoulder, potatoes, tomatoes, dry white wine, as well as other seasonings and herbs. Try serving this stew alongside a warm flour tortilla instead of bread.
Beef Stew with Wild Mushroom
There’s nothing wrong with choosing a classic for dinner. Beef Stew is oh-so-popular for a reason; it’s undeniably delicious. The juicy beef along with melt-in-your-mouth potatoes and carrots meet a more modern twist with plenty of wild mushrooms. Serve a salad and rolls on the side for a hearty cold-weather meal.
For more ways to warm up your cold hands and put a smile on your face, try:
- TABLE Magazine’s Best Soup Recipes of 2024
- Warm Up the Soul with These 12 Soup Recipes
- 7 Vegetarian Soups to Spice Up Your Weekend
Story by Emma Riva
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