Have you ever heard of white stew? What’s the first thing that comes to mind? I know the first time I encountered white stew – I thought, “what the heck is white stew?”
Well, as it turns out there are a lot of different ways stew can be made “white”. From using white beans, to adding cream to the sauce, or in our case, simply don’t brown the meat before cooking.
Stew is just one of those dishes that I can’t get enough of. Especially in Winter. Maybe that’s because it’s so incredibly versatile. Have some vegetables hiding in the crisper you’re not sure what to do with? Use those. Some dried beans? Chuck ’em in! Extra cream, tomatoes or Parmesan rind? Those’ll work too! And the best part about it? All the flavors mingle and slowly melt into one soothing and satisfying dish.
When you’re planning your stew pot, think about what’s around the house. What can you find that will not only make good use of what’s been lying around the pantry, but might also create a new flavor profile you wouldn’t think of otherwise?
Many a chef will tell you that white stew defies the so-called “rules” of the kitchen. One of which is that you should sear your meat before stewing to impart optimal flavor. Which is true – it adds some serious flavor by coloring the outside of the meat before slowly braising off in liquid. That being said, it creates ONE specific flavor. There’s a whole other dimension – a lighter, fresher one – that comes from not browning the meat. Breaking the rules. If creating new flavors in the kitchen isn’t about breaking rules, I don’t know what is!
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Ingredients, cooking methods, serving styles – they all generate a new experience that could lead to something great. After all, the classics weren’t born in a day. Coq au vin, simple tomato sauce, even buffalo wings started with an idea that was revolutionary. That is, it broke the rules. Innovation is revolution – white stew included.
So go dig in your cupboards. Spin that Lazy Susan. Rummage through your freezer. Ask your local farmer what they put in their pots. Find something new. Create. Innovate. Break the rules. And of course, revolutionize your kitchen.
What’s the craziest thing you ever threw into a pot? Did it work out? Not so much? Have you ever had White Stew? Share your thoughts with us below!
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