Tuesday, September 9, 2008

I Love You, Stewmorrow

The seasons are changing, so you need a new soup: Stewmorrow. Two reasons for the name: 1.) There is more for tomorrow. Lots more. This afternoon I made a batch the way my mother would have: cook to fill the sizes of the pots you are working with, not the number of faces you are feeding. 2.) It is something to look forward to, to anticipate. Only a day away, stewmorrow.

Here's how you can make some for yourself next time you're tired of the same old cheese sandwiches day after day.

You'll need

1 fist-sized onion, chopped
4 zuchinnis, quartered then sliced every ¼-in. or less
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cans northern white beans or cannellinis if you prefer them ( I don't drain them)
2 chicken breasts
chicken broth, 32 oz. carton
4 tbsp oregano flakes
2 dashes cayenne pepper powder
2 tbsp ground cumin
2 bay leaves
1 veg. bouillon cube
olive oil
salt, pepper

I've made it twice now, and I think that's everything. First, cover the bottom of the pot with water (just enough water to cover it thinly). Add the whole chicken breasts, cover them lightly with olive oil, salt/pepper, and half of the seasonings (oregano, cayenne, and cumin). Cover and cook on medium high until the chicken is done all the way through. Add the onion and cook with the lid off until the onions begin to clarify and even caramelize a little bit. Remove the chicken breasts and let them cool.

Into the pot, add the chicken broth, cubed potatoes, zukes, the bouillon cube, the bay leaves, and the other half of the seasonings. Bring to a low boil for 15-20 mins, or until the potatoes are fork-soft. In the meantime, chop the chicken into small bits and open the beans. After the potatoes have softened, reduce the heat to low, and add the chicken and unrinsed beans. Next, let it simmer for whatever time you have, at least 30 minutes.

Served it tonight with cheddar biscuits and apple slices, much to everyone's satislipsmackingfaction. I think of it as an unexpectedly savory mix between an Italian wedding soup and white chili. Add more cayenne if you want the heat, but at these rough measures Is. thought it was okay--not too hot for a tot.

Bookmark and Share Posted by at September 9, 2008 10:00 PM to Gobstuff
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