Kims Hearty Winter Stew Recipe

I'm currently tucking into a declious bowl of warming stew - just as well, as I've just come back in from walking my dog, and it is FREEEEZING out there.....oh, and a little bit wet!!

I thought I'd share my recipe with you - it's totally healthy and full of good, natural ingredients!

Prep time; 10 -15 minutes

Cook time: 2 - 3 hours

Meat: this is totally your choice. I've actually used a combo of beef and chicken, but it really is up to you!

Vegetables: anything you like, but I like the following as key ingredients...

potatoes

swede

carrots (I like lots of these!)

parsnip

brussel sprouts

peas

lentils - these are great for adding extra fibre and protein - and you don't even notice they're there! Use whichever you have to hand ; I've got yellow lentils tonight!

Sauce/Flavouring - again this is a personal preference, but I like to keep it as 'real' as possible so tend not to use gravy or stock cubes, but that's just me! You will also get a lot of flavour from all of the vegetables when they're cooking, so I don't feel that you don't need to add much to it!

> Tomatoes - use chopped tinned if you like, preferably without any additives. If they're fresh tomatoes, use 2-3 large beef tomatoes and blitz to mush them up a bit!

> herbs & spices : I've used parsley, paprika, garlic and a touch of salt and pepper

Quantities: I don't use measures, I just chuck in whatever I have to hand - it's also a great way of using up any vegetables that have been hanging around too long and need eating! I always make a large potful so it keeps me going for a few meals, and if I have too much, I pop a few portions in the freezer for another day when I'm short on time, or feeling lazy!

The recipe

Seal your meat (brown it quickly in a pan with <coconut> oil)

Rough chop your veg into nice eatable chunks and chuck in a nice big casserole pan and cover with boiling water

Add your meat and whatever your're using for flavour

Bring to the boil, then reduce to a low heat on the hob, or pop in the oven at about 180 for a couple of hours and it will do the rest!

Meanwhile you can carry on with putting your feet up, having a workout, doing your work,, or chores, or picking up the children!

Ps, you could blend this all up into a nice smooth soup if you want to take to work the following day - add a nice wholegrain bread roll! Yum!

Enjoy and please and let me know if you like my version of a warming winter stew :-)