"Hot" Stew
A hearty and spicy stew featuring tender beef, cabbage, okra, and a medley of vegetables, accented with hot peppers for a warming kick. Perfect for cold winter nights, this flavorful dish is satisfying and versatile, pairing beautifully with crusty French bread for a comforting meal fit for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. stew meat ⓘ
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 5 small onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 pkg. frozen okra (pieces) ⓘ
- 2 cans mixed vegetables
- 1 large can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can Northern beans ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery seed
- pinch of garlic powder ⓘ
- 5 small potatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 to 3 small hot peppers ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red Italian pepper buds ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the stew meat until tender.
- Add chopped cabbage, onions, and okra, then simmer until tender.
- Add the remaining vegetables and spices except for the hot peppers and pepper buds.
- Simmer the stew for two hours.
- Add the hot peppers and pepper buds about 15 minutes before serving.
- Remove the hot peppers before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sear the stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the stew meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or use plant-based protein. You can also replace the frozen okra with fresh if available, or omit it altogether. Adjust the heat level by varying the number of hot peppers based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew hot alongside slices of crusty French bread for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a side of Maureens Slaw, which adds a refreshing crunch. Consider a light dessert, like Cranberry Fruit Salad, to balance the meal. This stew also makes a great filling for a savory pie if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Hot" Stew contains roughly 911 calories, with 19g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), potassium (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the stew meat with other cuts like chuck roast or even chicken for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as chicken may require less time to become tender.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the hot peppers in the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best flavor.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
You can thicken the stew by mixing in a slurry of cornstarch and water or by mashing a few of the potatoes in the pot. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
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).