Hearty And Meatless

 There's this myth that meat has to go into a stew.It's what makes it's filling and flavorful, right? Yet there are vegetable only ones that can b prfect for an end of winter night.They're full of good things and taste too.

Melissa Clark gave three hearty recipes for vegtarian stews in ysterday's new York Times Wednesday Food section. Meatless stews actually cook up quicker than their meat laden cousins simply because sinew llaced joints have to be softened. All home chefs needs is a base of alliums such as onions or garlic along with sauteed veggies.Liquid is added along with more vegetabes and possibly grains beans or tofu>it's simmered until everything is tnder Keep in mind that starchy vegetables like potatoes or beans will thicken the broth, turning it rich and silky. You can add wine as done with traditional stews. what's chosen is up to the home chef. Ms. Clark offers her first recipe is based on the Japanese nimono which is sweet potatoes simmered with soy sauce and shiitake mushrooms. There is also sesame oil and rice wine added for ricness. Ginger is added for tang while the tofu cubes give it a silkiness and oomph.. Extra tofu is crisped and added on top for crunch .

The other two  are a hearty and spicy white bean and tomato stew and a red lentil and barley one. The whit  bean is chock full of white beans and tomato cooked in a chicken broth.If you want avegan version, then switch to a veggie broth which will have the same flavorful impact.It's quick to make  - another plus on a busy day .It is also chock full of garlic - seven cloves and red pepper flakes. You could add crumbled bacon to give the stew mor color and taste and again if you want a vegan version, add Morningstar Farms soy bacon strips. The other is a typical veggie laden one.Leeks are sauteed with carrots fennel -including the fronds. Lentils and barley are cooked in , giving it protein and texture. Garam masala is also added for more flavor and fire .It's simmered for two hours to meld all the flavors. ALl of these would be perfect with thick slices of crusty bread to mop up the sauce or even a side of rice.

A stew doesn;t have to be laden with meat to be good and hearty. Veggies and beans can certainly fill in fr it. Try these stews for a fresher take and taste on a winter classic.