The holiday season is always the most awaited time of the year. Many people are excited to welcome it, and they start early when it comes to preparing everything. Holiday feasts are also a part of this and it is what makes family and friends closer together. Whether your plans are for dinner, lunch, or even early breakfast, the food should have the spirit of the holidays as well to complete the merry time.
Stews are one of the common dishes that shouldn’t be missing on a holiday feast. Fortunately, we created a list of well-loved stews over the years that still give a joyful feeling to everyone. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, we’ve got the dishes that will surely make your holidays a little more special.
Heart-Warming Vegan Stews
- Ribollita
What’s great about Ribollita is it allows you to create wonderful dishes out of leftovers. It mainly consists of bread, beans, and a variety of vegetables. It is traditionally served in a big pot and enjoyed by a group of people at a feast. It can be reheated and eaten days after it was cooked, which also makes it great for banquets.
Main Ingredients: Bread, vegetables, cannellini beans
- Curried Zucchini
Zucchini is a common vegetable you can find in your backyard. If you don’t have a garden, you can easily buy this in the nearest market as fresh as you’d like. Aside from being healthy and rich in nutrients, it is flavorful as well and is a great pair with rice or roti. It is also a great source of Vitamin A and C, folate, potassium, and fiber.
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Coconut milk, chili
- Chickpea Stew
Chickpea Stew is a simple yet delicious meal you can serve during the holiday season. You can cook it with coconut milk if that is your preference. It is also a great comfort food especially if served with a little bit of spiciness. This stew is easy to make, and it will give you the warmth and comfort you need during winter time.
Chickpea is a good source of fiber, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. It is also Gluten-free so you won’t have to worry about other health issues. To know more, you can always check a chickpea stew recipe and make it one of your specialties to brag to your visitors. It is a very versatile dish where you can add all sorts of your favorite veggies.
Main Ingredients: Garbanzos, tomato, potatoes
- Celery Soup
Celery soup is low in calories which makes it an ideal dish to serve in a feast. It has umami flavors thanks to the main ingredient: Celery. It is rich in fiber that promotes energy, and the green flavor isn’t distinguishable at all which allows children to enjoy it too.
Main Ingredients: Celery, Potatoes, Broth
Savory Meat Stews
- Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
If you are into classics, then Beef stew will be your best choice. It is ideal for a holiday dinner, partnered with wine and a cozy setting. It is easy to make and also a great dish to enjoy with your family on a lazy weekend.
Main Ingredients: Beef, red potatoes, beef broth
- Beef Bourguignon
Originated in France, Beef Bourguignon is just like the classic beef stew, but with a twist of red wine flavor. The wine enhances the overall taste of the dish, giving it a classy edge. It is usually garnished with pearl onions alongside mushrooms and bacon.
Main Ingredients: Beef, red wine, pearl onions
- Ragout
Ragout is a French-style stew that means "to revive the taste". It involves slow-cooking the mixture over low heat. It can be prepared without meat for it also has a variety of vegetables, but it is better to include one to have a richer flavor.
Main Ingredients: Pig-ears, vegetables, anchovies
- Goulash
Goulash is a common dish in Central Europe, but it is originally from Hungary. It is a soup of mean and different vegetables seasoned with different spices such as paprika.
Main ingredients: Meat, stock, noodles, vegetables (especially potatoes), paprika, spices
- Chicken Mull
Chicken is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and even controls your blood pressure. Thankfully, it is the main ingredient of Chicken Mull, which makes it one less worry against holiday gains. It is a traditional dish from Upstate Carolina and Georgia, and is commonly served in the colder months because it is a great source of warmth.
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, red potatoes, cream
Holidays are always that one season where everyone seems to be happy and generous. To make the most out of it, it’s always a great idea to serve great food that will leave a particular memory among friends and family members. Holidays are just like stews. Aside from being everyone’s favorite, it also gives you comfort and a feeling that you’re at home.
