Winter Harvest Low Carb Stew (Printable)
A filling blend of chicken and winter vegetables in a savory low-carb stew.
# List of ingredients:
→ Protein
01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
03 - 1 medium rutabaga, peeled and chopped
04 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 1 medium leek, cleaned and sliced
07 - 2 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 medium onion, diced
10 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
12 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
13 - 1 tsp sea salt
14 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
→ Liquids
15 - 3 1/3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add diced onion, sliced leek, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in chopped rutabaga, sliced carrots, and celery. Continue cooking for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
04 - Return browned chicken to the pot. Add fresh or dried thyme, dried rosemary, ground black pepper, sea salt, and smoked paprika if using. Mix thoroughly.
05 - Pour in low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cover pot and cook gently for 25 minutes.
06 - Incorporate cauliflower florets and chopped kale into the stew. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until vegetables are tender and the liquid slightly thickens.
07 - Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's the kind of stew that fills your kitchen with such a good smell you'll catch yourself just standing there breathing it in.
- Everything here actually nourishes you instead of leaving you sluggish an hour later.
- Once it's simmering, you're free to do other things, so you can feel productive and warm at the same time.
02 -
- If you add the kale and cauliflower at the beginning with everything else, they'll dissolve into nothing by the time you eat it.
- The smoked paprika isn't essential but it gives a subtle depth that keeps people wondering what makes this taste so complete.
03 -
- Don't skip browning the chicken at the beginning, even just a little bit, because that color and slight crust transforms how the whole pot tastes.
- Keep tasting as you go in those last few minutes, because the salt and seasoning need your judgment, not just the recipe's guess.