Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Snow and Stick-to-Your-Ribs Meals

stewandmilletonplate

The weather has been unbelievable lately. Our city is paralyzed by snow. We are as stuck as the snowmen forming on front lawns all around us. It is a reminder that this is the season for slowing down and a perfect excuse to enjoy our families.

My children are loving it. They spend their days outside building snow caves and sledding down the hill. The cold air makes them ravenous by the time they're ready for the warmth of our home. I love stews for their ability to bind the people that share them. The aroma that fills the air as they simmer provides an open invitation to rest, chat and enjoy.


I'll take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy holiday season.

Happy Hanukkah!
Merry Christmas!
Joyful Kwanzaa!
Happy New Year!



stewandmilletpolentacloseup




Turkey and White Bean Stew with Millet Polenta

For the Millet:
1 tsp olive oil
2 cups organic millet
6 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan
salt to taste


For the Stew:
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup sweet onion, minced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 Lb organic ground turkey, not extra lean
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or more to taste
2 cups cooked white beans, cannellini or white navy beans
26.4 oz carton chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped parsley, optional for garnish

To Prepare the Millet Polenta:
In a medium to large pot, heat the oil and saute the millet for a minute then add the water and salt. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer covered, stirring every once in a while. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until mixture is cooked and creamy (like polenta). Add butter, sour cream, parmesan and more salt to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.

To Prepare the Stew:
In a large pan, heat the oil and saute the onions, garlic until cooked and slightly caramelized. Add the ground turkey and cook, mixing to break a part the clumps. Once the meat is cooked, add the salt cinnamon, oregano, basil and red pepper. Saute for another minute then add the cooked beans and chopped tomatoes. Mix well. Bring to a low boil and simmer covered for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on top of the millet polenta. Top each portion with freshly chopped parsley (if using).


stew&milletserved

14 comments:

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

Merry Christmas Alexa!

Dewi said...

Merry christmas to you and your family as well, Alexa!
Meal sound really delicious.
And oh, I really like the picture of you in your beanie.
Elra

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Craaaazy weather here too - stay safe!!

Happy Holidays, Alexa!!!

Mary Ann said...

This looks absolutely perfect for the snowy weather we have been having. I am very curious about the millet polenta. It looks wonderful and I just bought a couple of tiny squashes that I am going to make your spicy squash with.
Happy late b-day wishes to you and your husband!

Usha said...

Thanks for your wishes Alexa, Happy Holidays to you too :-)

Robin said...

Merry Chirstmas Alexa! Enjoy all that snow but stay safe too! May your family time be blessed during the Holidays!

Anonymous said...

There's still snow on the ground here, but now it's raining, so it's just plain nasty out. I could sure use a comforting meal like this right about now!

Happy holidays to you too! :)

Shelly Borrell said...

Happy Holidays Alexa. I hope you have a wonderful 2009 too!

Shelly,
Nibbles of Tidbits

Navita (Gupta) Hakim said...

Thanks & Happy Holidays to you too dear.

Sophie said...

This looks so hearty and warm, perfect for a snowy day. I just tried polenta and fell in love with it...now I need to try millet polenta :). Hope you're staying warm and are enjoying this holiday season!

Nic said...

Come on, stop hogging all that snow! Send a big dump over here please!!
Happy holidays Alexa!

test it comm said...

That looks really tasty!

Happy holidays!

Maureen "Hold The Gluten" said...

Wow! I feel full after just reading your post :) Yum! Hope you had a WONDERFUL holiday! It was 65 degrees here in New Jersey today. Crazy, crazy weather!

Maggie said...

Happy New Year!

The millet polenta sounds really interesting. I've tried millet flour a few times but not the whole grain. I love how creamy the polenta looks. I have to give it a try soon!

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