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KCSoccer
09-20-2002, 03:51 PM
We finally had fall-like weather here in KC this week! It's been so hot and dry, I'd begin to wonder if fall would ever arrive.

This is one of my favorite fall stews. It utilizes the late harvest veggies (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes). I have served it time and time again to people who SWEAR they don't like eggplant and they always like it. If you have vine-ripened tomatoes, feel free to replace the canned ones with 3 medium tomatoes, diced (I just usually use canned because it's easier and I always have some in the pantry).

Serve with some great sourdough bread, a tossed green salad and some red wine -- Enjoy!

* Exported from MasterCook *

Italian Beef and Eggplant Stew

Recipe By :Cindi Sheahan
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Beef Crock Pot
Main Dishes Pressure Cooker
Soups & Stews

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat -- cut in 1" cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion -- chopped
3 garlic cloves -- minced
14 1/2 ounces canned tomatoes -- diced, undrained
1 teaspoon paprika -- or 1/2 tsp. Spanish
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup dry red wine
1 cup water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 large potato -- peeled and cubed
1 medium eggplant -- peeled and cubed
1 red bell pepper -- diced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms -- sliced
1 jalapeno chile pepper -- seeded & minced (opt
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley -- chopped

In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium high heat. In small batches, brown meat well on all sides (don't crowd meat or it won't brown). Remove with a slotted spoon and set meat aside. Add onion to pan and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, pepper, salt, wine and water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Add potato, eggplant, bell pepper, mushrooms and jalapeno pepper to meat mixture. Cover and simmer an additional 30 to 40 minutes, until veggies are very tender.

Stir in cheese and parsley and serve.

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Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 265 Calories; 12g Fat (43.1% calories from fat); 21g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 49mg Cholesterol; 483mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : If you want to freeze this, make it without the potatoes (they don't freeze well). You can add cooked potatoes to the stew once you've thawed and reheated it.
To make in the pressure cooker: In step 1, once you've added the wine & water, lock lid and bring up to pressure. Reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes. Let pressure reduce, then add vegetables. Lock lid and bring up to pressure again; cook an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in cheese and parsley before serving.
To make in the slow cooker: Brown the meat in a sauté pan; remove to slow cooker. Cook onions and garlic; place in slow cooker along with remaining ingredients (except cheese and parsley). Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Stir in cheese and parsley before serving.

Ohioan
09-20-2002, 04:37 PM
Ooo, this sounds delicious. Thanks for posting it!

What kind of potato do you usually use? Russet? Or a waxier potato like Yukon Gold?

Cheers,
Phoebe

KCSoccer
09-21-2002, 08:36 AM
Originally posted by Ohioan
Ooo, this sounds delicious. Thanks for posting it!

What kind of potato do you usually use? Russet? Or a waxier potato like Yukon Gold?

Cheers,
Phoebe

I generally use whatever I have on hand, which is usually Yukon gold or Russet. If you have a preference, then I'd choose that type of potato.

aggie94
11-01-2002, 10:59 AM
Cindi,

I found this recipe when I was doing a search for stews. It sounds delicious! One question: when do you add the meat back in after it's browned? I assume with the tomatoes and spices, but I wanted to double check.

Leisa M
11-01-2002, 01:55 PM
If I aam not fond of eggplant, could I substitute something else?

aggie94
11-02-2002, 09:31 AM
Just bumping this up for Cindi to see.

:)

SusanL
11-03-2002, 04:01 AM
with my new paprika! I haven't made it yet but I don't think it would change too much without the eggplant. Maybe add more of the other vegetables! Thanks for this recipe, another great crockpot recipe to the rescue!

SusanL
11-04-2002, 03:16 AM
thanks! Made it in the crockpot and we loved it! Thanks again!

pwrmom
11-04-2002, 04:07 AM
Thanks for the reminder on this recipe...I'm putting it into this week's menu!
Linda

SQ
11-04-2002, 06:30 AM
Made this yesterday in the crockpot. It had a nice kick to it and really good spices. I followed your recipe exactly, but omitted the cheese. Thanks for sharing.

KCSoccer
11-04-2002, 09:17 AM
Originally posted by aggie94
Cindi,

I found this recipe when I was doing a search for stews. It sounds delicious! One question: when do you add the meat back in after it's browned? I assume with the tomatoes and spices, but I wanted to double check.

Yes, add it back to the pot with the tomatoes and spices.


Originally posted by Leisa M
If I am not fond of eggplant, could I substitute something else?

The eggplant sort of "dissolves" into the stew, but if you REALLY don't like eggplant, I think zuchinni or yellow summer squash would work, although I haven't tried making the stew with the squashes.

Thanks for the compliments - I'm glad you enjoyed the stew!