Hopkins County Stew
Hearty Hopkins County Stew features tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables simmered in savory V-8 juice with bold chili flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in 3 cans of V-8 juice and chili powder.
- Bring chicken stock to a boil and add chicken, V-8 juice, potatoes, and onions.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add corn, salt, pepper, and sugar, then cook until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you don't have V-8 juice, you can substitute with tomato juice or a mix of vegetable juice and a splash of hot sauce for some heat. To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. A sprinkle of chili powder can enhance the stew's depth, similar to how it's used in Hearty Lentil Stew.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For an added touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top. It also works well with a side of steamed green beans or cornbread for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish, but be sure to stir halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hopkins County Stew contains roughly 413 calories, with 10g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1923mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you're short on time or fresh options. Just add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they don't become mushy. This is a great way to maintain the stew's texture while still enjoying a hearty meal.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when simmering. You can also increase the amount of chili powder used for a bolder flavor. Adjust the spice level to your liking for a personalized touch to the recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a variety of beans, such as chickpeas or kidney beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Adding more vegetables like carrots and celery can enhance the flavor and texture, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).