Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Beef Stew for Dreary Days & Hearth 'n Soul Hop

It's been like living in a cold cloud since Friday - and I'm not talking about my head. It's Halifax weather and it's definitely dreary. Our home is awesome, with normally a great view out of our many almost floor to ceiling windows, but all I can see is thick grey. Extra thick socks and a cozy sweatshirt are in order, as is some hearty meal to chase the weather away.

First thing that came to mind was a hearty beef stew. Especially since I had some cubed chuck from my favorite beef producer - Getaway Farms and some root vegetables to go with it. But what to do with them?
I could have just made my Easy Oven Stew - always a hit around here.

But I also wanted to use my Preserved Lemons, so Moroccan Style Stew sounded appealing.

Then there was the delicious sounding (stunning photo too) traditional version from Flavours of Prince Edward Island: A Culinary Journey that I reviewed which had roasted vegetables & red wine... never a bad combo. I also had another sourse that inspired me - House of Annie's entry to Presto Pasta Nights #187 . It was her olives that made me think of my preserved lemons. By the way, her dish was inspired by at least two others as well... almost a chain letter in abstract.

Here's my creation from all those inspiration points. (Photo at the top of the post)

Beef Stew with Roasted Vegetables, Preserved Lemon & Cured Olives


I'm sharing it with Girlichef & her friends for Hearth 'n Soul Hop this week hosted by A Moderate Life.

Where do you get your inspiration?

6 comments:

Heather S-G said...

Ohhh...any one of these is sure to warm you to the soul! I could totally go for some tender, warm, shreddy beef...mouthwatering over here. Although we've had some crazy unseasonally warm weather the last few days. Thanks for sharing w/ the hearth and soul hop this week, Ruth :D

stephen said...

another comfort food on my list. .salivating over it! such a great meal

Smoky Wok (formerly Tastes of Home) said...

Love beef stew - perfect for the fall :)

Joanne said...

I love the idea of throwing preserved lemons into beef stew...almost like an American comfort/Moroccan fusion! This sounds like it would warm me up instantly.

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

I have preserved lemons and need to make something with them, this looks great. Thanks.

a moderate life said...

Hi Ruth! I wanted to personally welcome you to the hearth and soul hop! I am now following your blog and also your tweets. I added you to the hearth and soul hop daily list on twitter as well so look out for the hearth and soul hop daily updates on your twitter feed. I actually have friends who live in Halifax and would love to one day come up for a visit! Beef stew in all it's incarnations is an amazing cool weather warm the heart recipe! Your's is so unique! Thanks so much for sharing it on the hearth and soul hop this week! All the best. Alex@amoderatelife