Hearty Cuban Stew

by sherri on February 19, 2012

This winter it seems like we’ve always got a few yams on hand. So far they’ve inspired the Golden Provence Winter Stew, which has become a quick favorite, but I recently had several chilies on hand as well as a large quantity of black beans we’ve been trying to find more uses for. With these ingredients on hand I came up with this delicious, warm stew inspired by Cuban flavors.

The Stuff

  • 2 medium yams, diced small
  • 3 cups cooked black beans
  • 1 large yellow onion, 1/4″ dice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium green bell pepper, 1/4 dice
  • 1 Ancho/Pasilla pepper, 1/4″ dice
  • 1/2 t cumin seed
  • 1 15oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 2.5 T tomato paste
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 T ground cumin
  • 1 T dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 t cayenne
  • 1/4 t ground coriander
  • 1/2 t sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 bunch collards, cut up small
  • 1/3 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice

The Making

Heat a 8-quart stock-pot to medium-high heat and then lightly spray with Canola oil. Add cumin seeds and toast until fragrant, about 2 minutes or less. Add onion into the pot, lightly spritz with oil and saute 5 minutes, until onions become translucent. Add garlic and saute with onions another 5 minutes before adding all of the diced chilies. Saute all together another 5 minutes.

Add tomatoes, yams, dried herbs & spices and water to the pot. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 35 minutes, or until yams are tender. Add collards and tomato paste and stir in. Simmer for 15 minutes before adding in the fresh herbs and lime juice. Simmer for 5 more minutes before serving.

10 Servings

Nutritional Info

Serving Size: 2 cups
Calories: 191
Total Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 81 mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary Fiber: 8 g
Sugars: 3 g
Protein: 7 g

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Cabbage with Green Chili & Mustard Seeds

by sherri on February 5, 2012

This dish can be served hot or at room temperature as a kind of warm salad. The combination of the sweetness of the cabbage, the green chili, mustard and the earthiness of the turmeric is so satisfying. It makes a great side dish along with some rice and dal.

The Stuff

  • 1 small head of green cabbage
  • 1 small shallot
  • 1 small green chili (jalapeno)
  • 1/2 t brown mustard seeds
  • 1/4 t ground turmeric
  • salt, to taste

The Making

Quarter the head of cabbage and cut out the core. Shred into thin ribbons.

Slice shallot in half and cut into very thin ribbons.

Cut off top and end of green chili, split in half. Remove all seeds and white core. Slice chili halves into very small ribbons.

Heat a skillet to medium-high heat and spray with high-heat canola oil. Add shallot and saute for 3 minutes, add in green chili and continue to saute another 3-4 minutes, until shallot is caramelized. Add mustard seeds to pan, saute another minute or until the seeds begin to pop.

Add the cabbage to the saute pan and turn  well to mix in shallots and chili slices. Continue to saute 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is fully wilted. Sprinkle turmeric over the top and keep tossing cabbage to distribute the turmeric.

Once the cabbage is fully wilted and evenly coated with the turmeric, remove from heat. Either serve immediately or let cool to room temperature before serving.

Serves 4

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