Meals to Warm the Soul

Beautiful and Hearty Beef Stew

An absolute classic, with a rich stew loaded with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a very flavorful broth perfect for winter warmer. Ingredients: 1 lb beef chuck, cut into cubes 2 tbsp olive oil 4 cups beef broth 3 carrots, sliced 2 potatoes, cubed 1 onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp paprika Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides, then set aside. Sauté onions, garlic, and celery until softened. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with crusty bread.

2024-11-24 12:23:11

david wysocki

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

This delectable, velvety soup, with the natural sweetness of that butternut squash with a hint of nutmeg, is ideal for cozy evenings. Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed 1 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp ground nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until squash is tender (about 20 minutes). Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of cream and toasted pumpkin seeds.

2024-10-24 12:23:11

david wysocki

Chicken Pot Pie

A savory chicken pie with a flaky crust, creamy gravity filling, and a mix of chicken and vegetables is always a soul-warming favorite. Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup milk 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp flour 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) 1 refrigerated pie crust Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk to form a thick sauce. Stir in shredded chicken, vegetables, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Pour mixture into a pie dish and cover with the pie crust. Seal edges and cut small slits in the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until crust is golden.

2024-11-20 12:10:11

david wysocki

Classic Chili

A scrumptious, hearty, spicy chili packed with an explosion of flavor, this chili could be rated best in the state! Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey 1 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup beef broth 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Brown ground beef in a large pot. Remove excess fat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in tomatoes, beans, broth, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread.

2024-10-15 12:13:11

david wysocki

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This creamy soup with tender potatoes, cheddar cheese, and savory toppings like bacon and green onions was always a favorite in my household. Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, baked and cubed 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup flour 4 cups milk 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Toppings: bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese Instructions: Melt butter in a pot. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk and broth, whisking until smooth. Bring to a simmer. Add cubed potatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring. Stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted. Serve with your favorite toppings.

2024-11-11 10:23:11

david wysocki

Shepherd’s Pie!

This one is a Family secret, it was always a comforting dish with a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. Ingredients: 1 lb ground lamb or beef 1 onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 cup beef broth 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 4 cups mashed potatoes (made fresh or leftover) 1/2 cup frozen peas Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook meat in a skillet until browned. Add onions, carrots, and cook until softened. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, peas, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Spread meat mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface. Bake for 20 minutes or until potatoes are lightly browned.

2024-11-25 11:11:11

David wysocki