Tomato Beef Stew

Recipe by Chelsea Aye
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Chelsea simmers beef brisket or chuck with five tomatoes, potatoes and carrot in one pot for about 2 hours, then serves it over white rice.
Dinner is handled every Sunday
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Creamy Tomato Basil for Family Comfort


Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in large pot over medium; cook onion 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Cook garlic 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
- Immersion-blend smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer to blender in batches.
- Add cream and basil; heat through 2-3 minutes without boiling.
- Taste; adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional basil and cream swirl.
Hearty Chicken Noodle to Warm Hearts


Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in large pot over medium; cook onion, carrots, and celery 6-7 minutes until starting to soften.
- Cook garlic 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add broth, bay, and thyme; boil.
- Add chicken; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken; shred with two forks and set aside.
- Add noodles; cook 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Return chicken; add parsley and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove bay; ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Roasted Butternut Squash for Cozy Evenings


Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with 1 tablespoon oil, salt, and pepper on sheet.
- Roast 35-40 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in large pot over medium; cook onion 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook garlic and apple 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add roasted squash, broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Boil; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
- Immersion-blend completely smooth and creamy, or use regular blender in batches.
- Add cream and maple syrup; heat through 2-3 minutes without boiling.
- Taste; adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional toasted pumpkin seeds and cream drizzle.
Spicy Lentil Stew Beats the Chill


Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in large pot over medium; cook onion 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Mix in rinsed lentils, tomatoes with juices, broth, and carrots.
- Boil; reduce to low and simmer uncovered 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils tender and stew thickened.
- Cook spinach 2-3 minutes until wilted; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with cilantro, lemon squeeze, and crusty bread for dipping.
Vegetable Minestrone Nourishes Busy Moms


Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in large pot or Dutch oven over medium; sauté onion, celery, and carrots 7-8 minutes until starting to soften.
- Cook garlic 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Add zucchini, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and bay; boil.
- Reduce to medium-low; simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cannellini, green beans, and pasta; simmer 10-12 minutes until pasta tender and green beans cooked through.
- Cook spinach 2 minutes until wilted; remove bay and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with generous Parmesan and crusty bread. Leftovers keep up to 5 days.
Velvety Potato Leek Eases Winter Blues


Ingredients
Method
- Clean leeks thoroughly between layers. Melt butter in large pot over medium; cook leeks 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very soft without browning.
- Cook garlic 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add potatoes, broth, thyme, and bay. Boil; reduce to medium-low.
- Simmer uncovered 20-25 minutes until potatoes very fork-tender.
- Remove thyme and bay; immersion-blend completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully blend in batches, taking care with hot liquid.
- Add optional cream; season with salt and white pepper. Thin with extra broth if needed.
- Serve hot with chives and optional bacon; also serve chilled if desired.
Beef Barley Soup Builds Family Bonds

Ingredients
Method
- Pat beef dry with paper towels; generously season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high. Brown beef in uncrowded batches 3-4 minutes per side; transfer to plate.
- In same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery 5-6 minutes until starting to soften; cook garlic another minute until fragrant.
- Return beef and juices; add broth, barley, bay, and thyme.
- Boil; reduce to low, cover, and simmer 75-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef tender and barley cooked through.
- Remove bay; taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls; garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Coconut Curry Veggies Warm from Within

Ingredients
Method
- Heat coconut oil in large pot over medium; sauté onion 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Cook garlic and ginger about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Add curry paste; cook another minute to bloom flavors.
- Add sweet potato, bell pepper, and cauliflower; stir to coat in curry.
- Add broth; boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until sweet potato fork-tender.
- Add coconut milk and spinach; cook 2-3 minutes until spinach wilted and soup heated through.
- Off heat, add lime juice; taste and salt as needed.
- Serve hot with cilantro over jasmine rice or with naan.
Cheesy French Onion Melts Away Cold

Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in large heavy-bottomed pot over medium; add onions and sugar, stirring to coat.
- Cook onions 40-45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until deeply golden and caramelized. Lower heat if browning too quickly.
- Cook garlic 1 minute; add wine and scrape browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Add broth, bay, and thyme. Boil; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, heat broiler; arrange bread on sheet and toast 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls; top each with 1-2 toast slices and generous Gruyère and Parmesan.
- Place bowls on sheet; broil 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until cheese melted, bubbling, and golden.
- Cool a minute or two; serve immediately, warning diners bowls and cheese are hot.

Broccoli Cheddar Classic Hugs Your Soul

Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in large pot over medium; sauté onion 5 minutes until soft and translucent, then garlic another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in flour; stir constantly 2 minutes to make thickening roux.
- Slowly whisk in broth to prevent lumps; mix in milk and cream.
- Add broccoli; gently simmer 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Reduce to low; add cheese by handfuls, melting each before next.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg; taste and adjust. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Tuscan White Bean Rustic Winter Hug

Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in Dutch oven or soup pot over medium; sauté onion, carrots, and celery 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Cook garlic 1 minute, stirring frequently, until aromatic.
- Mix in broth, tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay.
- Add beans; boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- For creamier texture, partly mash about half the beans against pot side with masher or immersion blender.
- Cook kale or spinach 5 minutes until wilted; season with salt and pepper and remove bay.
- Ladle into bowls; top with fresh Parmesan and oil drizzle.

Pumpkin Spice Soup Sparks Joy Indoors

Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in large pot over medium; sauté onion 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Cook garlic 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Mix in pumpkin, broth, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, salt, pepper, and nutmeg evenly.
- Gently simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop flavors.
- Reduce to low; add cream and heat through 2-3 minutes. Taste; adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with cream swirl, pumpkin seeds, light cinnamon sprinkle, and crusty bread.

Clam Chowder Brings Seafood Coziness Home


Ingredients
Method
- Cook bacon in Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium 5-7 minutes until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon, leaving fat.
- Melt butter in fat; sauté onion and celery 5 minutes until softened, then garlic another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in flour; stir to coat and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in stock to prevent lumps. Add potatoes and thyme; boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes until potatoes tender.
- Add clams with juice, cream, and bacon, reserving some for garnish. Gently heat through 5 minutes; do not boil or cream may curdle.
- Season with salt and pepper; ladle into bowls, topping with reserved bacon and parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Moroccan Chickpea Twist Defies Frosty Days


Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in large pot over medium; sauté onion 5 minutes until starting to soften and turn golden.
- Cook garlic and ginger another minute until fragrant.
- Add cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and optional cayenne; toast about 30 seconds.
- Add chickpeas, tomatoes with juice, and broth; boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- For creamier, thicker soup, lightly mash about half the chickpeas against pot side with masher or spoon back.
- Wilt spinach 2-3 minutes; add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with cilantro and optional oil drizzle.
Sweet Potato Ginger Soothes Sore Throats


Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in large pot over medium; sauté onion 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger; stir constantly about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sweet potatoes and carrot; stir to coat. Add turmeric and optional cayenne; stir another minute.
- Add broth; boil, reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer 20-25 minutes until potatoes fork-tender.
- Off heat, immersion-blend silky smooth or carefully transfer hot liquid to regular blender in batches.
- Add coconut milk, honey, and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Gently heat 2-3 minutes; serve warm with toasted pumpkin seeds and cilantro.
Wild Mushroom Depth for Quiet Nights

Ingredients
Method
- Heat butter and oil in Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high until butter melts and sizzles.
- Sauté onion 5 minutes until soft and translucent; cook garlic another minute until fragrant.
- Cook all mushrooms 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until moisture released and browning begins.
- Sprinkle in flour; stir to coat and cook 2 minutes to remove raw taste.
- Add wine; scrape browned bits and simmer 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add broth and thyme; boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Remove thyme; add cream and generously season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls; garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Italian Wedding Soup Makes Memories

Ingredients
Method
- Gently hand-mix all meatball ingredients in large bowl just until combined; do not overwork.
- Roll about 40-50 balls, 3/4 inch across (smaller than golf ball); set aside on plate.
- Heat oil in large pot over medium; sauté onion, carrots, and celery 6-7 minutes until softened.
- Cook garlic 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add broth; boil over high.
- Gently add meatballs individually; reduce to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes.
- Add pasta; cook per package, usually 6-8 minutes, until al dente.
- Cook spinach or escarole 2-3 minutes until wilted; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with generous Parmesan and crusty bread; flavor improves next day.

Carrot Ginger Boosts Winter Immunity

Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in large pot over medium; sauté onion 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Cook garlic and ginger 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Add turmeric and cumin; stir to coat onion and toast 30 seconds.
- Add carrots and sweet potato; stir and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add broth; boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer 25 minutes until vegetables fork-tender.
- Off heat, immersion-blend completely smooth or carefully transfer hot liquid to regular blender in batches.
- Add coconut milk, lime juice, and honey.
- Season with salt and pepper; thin with water or broth if needed.
- Serve hot with cilantro, pumpkin seeds, and optional extra coconut milk swirl.

Smoky Split Pea Warms Chilly Bones


Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in Dutch oven or soup pot over medium; cook onion, carrots, and celery about 8 minutes until softened.
- Cook garlic another minute until fragrant; add paprika and thyme, stirring to coat.
- Add peas, ham hock, broth, and bay; boil, reduce to low, and simmer partly covered about 90 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; cook until peas completely broken down and soup thickened.
- Remove hock and bay; when hock cool enough to handle, shred meat and return to soup.
- Season with salt and pepper; thin with broth or water if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tortilla Soup Adds Festive Family Heat


Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in large pot over medium; sauté onion and bell pepper about 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook garlic and optional jalapeño 1 minute; add cumin and chili powder, toasting 30 seconds.
- Add broth and tomatoes with juices; boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Add beans, corn, and chicken; simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add lime juice; season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls; offer tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and extra lime for toppings.
Cauliflower Cream Lowers Stress Calories
Here’s your secret weapon for creamy soup satisfaction without the cream! This velvety cauliflower soup tastes absolutely decadent, but it’s made with just vegetables and a splash of milk. It’s proof that you can have your comfort food and feel good about it too—perfect for those New Year health goals we’re all juggling.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 425°F; toss cauliflower with 2 tablespoons oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on large sheet.
- Roast 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining tablespoon oil in large pot over medium; cook onion about 5 minutes until softened.
- Cook garlic another minute until fragrant; add thyme.
- Add roasted cauliflower and broth; simmer 10 minutes.
- Immersion-blend completely smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer to regular blender in batches.
- Add almond milk, nutmeg, and optional nutritional yeast. Adjust salt and pepper; garnish with herbs and serve warm.
Shrimp Bisque Treats After Snowy Play

Ingredients
Method
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large pot over medium; sauté shells 3-4 minutes until pink and fragrant. Add 1 cup broth; simmer 10 minutes. Strain, discard shells, and reserve broth.
- Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in same pot; cook onion and celery about 5 minutes until softened, then garlic 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in flour; stir constantly 2 minutes to form roux. Slowly whisk in reserved shrimp broth and remaining 2 cups broth.
- Add tomato paste, sherry, paprika, and cayenne; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook shrimp 3-4 minutes until just pink and cooked through; remove and reserve about half.
- Carefully immersion-blend smooth and creamy, or use regular blender in batches.
- Add cream and reserved whole shrimp; heat through and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley; serve hot with crusty bread.

Black Bean Kick Energizes Cold Mornings

Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in large pot over medium; cook onion and bell pepper 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne; stir constantly 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add beans and broth; boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mash about half the beans against pot side with masher or wooden spoon back to thicken, leaving some whole.
- Add lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Thin with broth or water if needed.
- Serve hot with sour cream, cheese, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Corn Chowder Sweetens Frosty Afternoons

Ingredients
Method
- Cook bacon in Dutch oven or soup pot over medium 6-8 minutes until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon drippings.
- Melt butter in pot; cook onion and celery about 5 minutes until softened, then garlic 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in flour; stir and cook 2 minutes to form roux.
- Gradually add broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add potatoes, 4 cups corn, thyme, paprika, and bay; boil.
- Reduce to medium-low; simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes tender.
- Remove bay; carefully immersion-blend about one-third of soup, keeping plenty chunky. Alternatively, blend 2 cups in regular blender and return.
- Add cream, remaining 1 cup corn, and half the bacon; heat through 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls; garnish with remaining bacon and chives. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Miso Tofu Calms Hectic Winter Days


Ingredients
Method
- Heat sesame oil in large pot over medium; cook garlic and ginger about 1 minute until fragrant without burning.
- Add broth; gently simmer over medium-high.
- Meanwhile, whisk miso with about ½ cup hot broth in small bowl until smooth and lump-free.
- Reduce to medium-low; return miso mixture with soy sauce.
- Add tofu and greens; simmer 5-7 minutes until greens wilted and tofu heated through.
- Off heat, add green onions; taste and adjust with more soy sauce or miso if needed.
- Ladle into bowls; add optional seaweed and serve immediately while hot.




