Nancy'S Italian Stew
Nancy's Italian Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tomato sauce, vegetables, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine all liquid ingredients except water. Thin the sauce with water to your liking.
- Add garlic cloves, garlic powder, and pepper; cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and let the stew simmer for about 1 hour.
- Serve the stew over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like basil and oregano alongside the garlic powder. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative. You can also add diced zucchini or carrots for extra veggies. Adjust the water to achieve your preferred stew consistency, and remember that letting it simmer longer enhances the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Garlic Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Italian stew over rice for a comforting meal. You can also pair it with crusty bread for dipping or enjoy it alongside a fresh salad, such as Houston Summer Salad, to balance the flavors. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Italian Stew contains roughly 326 calories, with 14g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), potassium (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 476mg per serving (21% 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 make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. It's perfect for meal prep!
What can I use instead of okra?
If you don't have okra or prefer not to use it, diced eggplant or green beans can be great substitutes. They will add a different texture but still maintain the essence of the stew. Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices!
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave.
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).