Red Stew
I was recently diagnosed as a diabetic, and as a "foodie" this seemed at first like a major blow to my lifestyle. I felt like this severely cut into the variety of foods I could eat. But I've changed my mind about that. I now think it's an opportunity to challenge myself. I'm trying to think not about what's not available to me, but what I can enjoy. I can eat tons of good things, things I like like fresh salads with every veggie I can fit in, fresh fruits, nutty whole grains, lean meats and seafood, wine, cheeses, and other yummy things, as long as I have them in moderation. I read the pamphlets that my doctor's office gave me, and they were full of fairly boring, bland dishes that don't represent the way I like to eat at all. I like a variety of textures, flavors, seasonings and presentations. I haven't done a grocery shop since I found out about my condition, but I set out to find a dish that fit in my dietary guidelines, made from things I already had in my pantry. I decided to make my red stew. It's hearty easy, very flavorful, and healthy.
To make Red Stew you need:
1 lb of lean stew beef, or lamb sirloin, trimmed and cut into chunks (trim as much fat off the meat as you can before cooking)
One @14oz can of diced stewed tomatoes
1 Sweet Onion, or 3 shallots, cut into thin rings
Root vegetables of your choice, peeled and cut into chunks (Think potatoes, turnip, carrot, parsnips or something else you like)
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, ground into a paste
3 Tbls of Red Curry powder (red pepper, cumin, coriander, cardamom, chili pepper), you can purchase this ready made at the grocery, or make your own
Chopped cilantro, as much as you desire, or it can be left out
Korean red pepper to taste(you can get it in an asian market, and it has a different taste from cayenne pepper), or crushed red cayenne pepper.
Lime juice (a squeeze or so)
Salt to taste
Chuck the lot in the crockpot, let it cook slowly until the meat is tender, serve over cooked brown rice or wheat berries.
The version of the stew I made tonight had no root veggies, but I find it good with potatoes and parsnips. I've also made it with just the root veggies and the seasonings, and it's delicious. You can also adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you add a bit of orange juice instead of lime juice, it gives it a delicious savoriness.
To make Red Stew you need:
1 lb of lean stew beef, or lamb sirloin, trimmed and cut into chunks (trim as much fat off the meat as you can before cooking)
One @14oz can of diced stewed tomatoes
1 Sweet Onion, or 3 shallots, cut into thin rings
Root vegetables of your choice, peeled and cut into chunks (Think potatoes, turnip, carrot, parsnips or something else you like)
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, ground into a paste
3 Tbls of Red Curry powder (red pepper, cumin, coriander, cardamom, chili pepper), you can purchase this ready made at the grocery, or make your own
Chopped cilantro, as much as you desire, or it can be left out
Korean red pepper to taste(you can get it in an asian market, and it has a different taste from cayenne pepper), or crushed red cayenne pepper.
Lime juice (a squeeze or so)
Salt to taste
Chuck the lot in the crockpot, let it cook slowly until the meat is tender, serve over cooked brown rice or wheat berries.
The version of the stew I made tonight had no root veggies, but I find it good with potatoes and parsnips. I've also made it with just the root veggies and the seasonings, and it's delicious. You can also adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you add a bit of orange juice instead of lime juice, it gives it a delicious savoriness.