Hearty Autumn Harvest Stew with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Apple Cider Braising Liquid Recipe

Description:

Hey friend! So, I've been working on this amazing stew recipe lately, and I'm so excited to share it with you. It's called "Hearty Autumn Harvest Stew with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Apple Cider Braising Liquid". Sounds fancy, right? But it's surprisingly simple to make. I got the inspiration for this stew from my grandmother. She used to make this incredible autumn stew every year, always around harvest time. It wasn't exactly this recipe, but the core idea – celebrating the bounty of fall vegetables with a flavorful, warming broth – was definitely there. I've tweaked it over the years, adding my own touches and using ingredients I've come to love. I always imagine it being created in a rustic farmhouse kitchen somewhere in the New England area, perhaps Vermont or Maine. Those regions are known for their apple harvests and hearty, comforting food. The slow-braising method reflects that rustic approach, allowing flavors to meld and deepen over time, much like the changing leaves in the fall. Now, let's talk health benefits. This stew is packed with goodness! Butternut squash is a fantastic source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, bursting with vitamins K, C, and A, as well as iron and antioxidants. Apples, aside from their sweetness, offer fiber and vitamin C. The apple cider adds a touch of natural sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the stew without needing added sugar. The use of slow-braising ensures that nutrients aren't lost in the cooking process; the gentle heat helps retain more of the vitamins and minerals. We're also incorporating a hearty base of beans or lentils, which will increase the protein content. It's a really wholesome and satisfying meal, perfect for chilly evenings. Speaking of chilly evenings, remember that one time we were camping in the mountains and it got unexpectedly freezing? This stew is the kind of comfort food I wish I'd had that night! It's warming, filling, and tastes like a cozy hug. Okay, enough rambling, let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

• - 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed (I find butternut squash to be the perfect autumn vegetable – sweet and creamy!)
• - 1 large onion, chopped (Always use a good quality onion; it makes all the difference!)
• - 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (I love the slight sweetness carrots add to the stew)
• - 2 celery stalks, chopped (Celery adds a subtle earthiness that enhances the other flavors)
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced (Garlic is the secret ingredient for flavor)
• - 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained (I prefer fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra depth of flavor)
• - 1 cup dried lentils or 1 cup of your favorite beans, rinsed (For extra protein and fiber)
• - 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (Always check the sodium content; you can control the saltiness)
• - 1 cup apple cider (Adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that makes the stew sing)
• - 1 bunch of kale, roughly chopped (Kale is so nutrient-dense and hearty; it holds up well in stews)
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil (I always use extra virgin olive oil for the flavor)
• - 1 teaspoon dried thyme (Thyme complements the other flavors beautifully)
• - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (Rosemary adds a lovely piney note)
• - Salt and pepper to taste (Seasoning is key!)

Instructions:

1. 1. Prep Time: First, let's get everything organized. This is the most crucial step for a smooth cooking experience. Peel and cube the butternut squash – I always put on some music to make the chopping more fun. It helps make the process less tedious and more enjoyable. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mincing the garlic is easy enough, right? Don't skip this step, as it's the best way to get that lovely garlic flavor throughout the stew!
2. 2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – remember, don't burn the garlic; it becomes bitter quickly! I have a funny story about burning garlic when I was first learning to cook. Let's just say there were a lot of tears involved.
3. 3. Add the Squash and Spices: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the thyme and rosemary, and stir everything together. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the squash to absorb the flavors.
4. 4. Incorporate the Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained, remember!), the lentils or beans, and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well, ensuring everything is combined. You should add about 4 cups of broth to start, but be prepared to add more depending on your preference; I sometimes need a little extra. The goal is to end up with a stew that’s nice and soupy but not watery.
5. 5. Braising Time: Now comes the magic. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 45-60 minutes, or until the butternut squash is very tender and the lentils/beans are cooked through. This slow-braising is key to developing rich, deep flavors. While the stew simmers, I usually take the opportunity to do other things—read a book, catch up with friends, maybe even sneak in a short power nap!
6. 6. Stir in Apple Cider: After about 45 minutes of simmering, gently stir in the apple cider. It will add a delightful tartness and subtle sweetness. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. You want a balance of flavors; not too salty, not too bland. It's all about finding that perfect harmony.
7. 7. Add the Kale: Add the chopped kale to the pot and stir to combine. Allow the kale to cook for about 5-10 minutes until it wilts. It won’t take long, as the stew is still simmering, and the kale cooks quickly.
8. 8. Final Taste Test: This is your moment to be the chef! Taste the stew one more time. Do you need more salt? Pepper? A little extra thyme? This is your opportunity to create the perfect flavor balance for your palate.
9. 9. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and serve it warm. This is the part where you take a big, satisfying spoonful and smile contentedly. Garnish with some fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil, if you like.
10. 10. Leftovers: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so it's even better the next day! You can also freeze this stew for longer storage – it's great for meal prepping or having a quick and comforting meal on a busy weeknight.