+++
title = "Grandma's Versatile Stew"
author = ["KemoNine"]
publishDate = 2022-12-05
tags = ["VegetableProteine", "RedMeat", "WhiteMeat"]
draft = false
layout="recipe"
image="nathan-dumlao-8Scd_34vdsw-unsplash.jpg"
imagecaption="A bowl of stew on a wood plank next to a candle and glass of wine. The image was obtained from Unsplash at https://unsplash.com/photos/8Scd_34vdsw"
date="2022-12-05"
AuthorName="KemoNine"
AuthorURL="https://culinary.kemonine.info"
category="Dinner"
cuisine="Stew"
+++

## Notes {#notes}

-   This was designed to be more 'heart smart' than a standard beef stew while also being adaptable to Keto/Low Carb diets.
-   It's even flexible enough to adapt to a vegan diet.
-   Ingredients were selected to avoid common 'filler foods' that are nutritious but feature heavily in western diets
    day to day. Kind of a 'get outside the go to foods' style recipe.
-   Options for using 'go to foods' are included for completeness.
-   Spicing option left intentionally open-ended. Adjust to your preferences.


## Main Protein {#main-protein}

_Pick ONE_

-   Pork shoulder, cubed + Diced chicken livers (Careful with the liver, less is more)
-   Legumes (ie various beans) + Shredded Leafy, Dark Greens (ie. Spinach, Kale)


## Main Filler {#main-filler}

_Pick ONE_

-   Acorn squash
-   Potato (Standard Stew, don't use this again below)
-   Butternut Squash
-   Sweet Potato (Standard Stew+, don't use this again below)
-   Legumes (don't pick this if picking legumes above)


## Accent Filler {#accent-filler}

_Pick ONE_

-   Peas + Lentils + Parsnip
-   Peas + Lentils + Turnip
-   Peas + Lentils
-   Peas + Potato
-   Peas + Sweet Potato
-   Peas


## Thickening Agent {#thickening-agent}

_Pick ONE_

-   Mashed/Pureed Avocado (Neon green stew warning)
-   Arrowroot (Healthier than flour/corn starch, same effect)
-   Flour
-   Corn starch
-   Other options not listed


## Spices {#spices}

_Add according to taste_

-   Thyme/Rosemary/Oregano/Similar
-   Mustard powder
-   Peppercorns
-   Ground pepper


## Work In Progress Notes {#work-in-progress-notes}


### Attempt 1 {#attempt-1}


#### Notes {#notes}

-   The pork was a little too overdone but was still mostly firm
-   Added too much water / lentil and it quickly turned to wallpaper paste
-   Overcooked turnip / acorn squash so they were mush
-   Spicing was on point and flavorful
-   Needs less overall cook time
-   Needs less lentil


#### Ingredients {#ingredients}

-   2 lbs pork shoulder (aka: pork butt)
-   4oz chopped liver (beef, calf, chicken)
-   1 acorn squash
    -   1" cubes
-   5 turnips
    -   1" cubes
-   Fresh thyme (to taste)
-   Fresh oregano (to taste)
-   2 minced garlic cloves
-   Peppercorns


#### Instructions {#instructions}

1.  Brown pork
2.  Add liver
3.  Add garlic, cook until fragrent
4.  Add 160z water to pan
5.  Add oregano
6.  Add thyme
7.  Bring to boil
8.  Simmer 1 hour
9.  Add turnip
10. Add squash
11. Simmer 45 minutes
12. Add 2 cup split red lentil
13. Add 1 cup water
14. Simmer 30 minutes