Slow-Cook Stew and Chili Recipes

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PHOTO BY MOTHER EARTH NEWS STAFF
Make these hearty stews and chilis to chase away the chills.

Stews and chilies have always been a favorite in my family. While none of the men have ever expended any real time or energy in the kitchen (raiding the fridge at 3 a.m. notwithstanding), all seem to have a good recipe up their sleeves.

And with good reason. What better on a cold day that a steaming pot of flavorful meat, fresh vegetables, and a rich stock that melds like slow-simmered gravy. Ladled over rice or noodles, stews and chilies are hearty fillers that require minimal time and effort.

When my father and his wife came to visit recently, I threw on a pot of my chili (I say “my” with some significance, as every chili served in our family has many variations, depending who stocked the pot) in the morning and left it to simmer while we spent the afternoon skating on the pond.

Chilies and stews stand on their own, with such a commanding presence that it takes only a hearty starch to make a full meal. (I used to serve a green salad with my stews and chilies for Sunday supper–only to realize, four or five times into this routine, that my lovely greens sat mostly untouched.)

So grab your biggest pot, dash to the root cellar and throw a loaf into the oven. Then head outside and sled down the hill while dinner slow-cooks to simmered perfection.

  • Published on Feb 1, 1992
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