Atlanta-style Creamy Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

While the original Hungarian Főzelék is typically made with a roux-based sauce and often includes sour cream, this Atlanta-style version takes a different approach. Instead of a roux, the creamy base is achieved by using a combination of heavy cream and vegetable broth. The spices and seasonings are also adjusted to incorporate flavors commonly found in Southern cuisine, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Additionally, the choice of vegetables may vary to include Southern favorites like okra, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. We alse have the original recipe for Főzelék, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 23g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let the vegetables cook for another 10 minutes, until they are tender.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Simmer the stew for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Make sure to dice the zucchini into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Bell pepper — You can use any color of bell pepper for this recipe, depending on your preference.
• Heavy cream — If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
• Vegetable broth — Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to have better control over the saltiness of the stew.
• Paprika — Choose a good quality paprika for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the pot and simmer for a few more minutes.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on what is in season or your personal preferences.
• Serve the stew with a side of cornbread or biscuits for a complete Southern meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.
• If you prefer a spicier stew, increase the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Atlanta-style creamy vegetable stew hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with a side of cornbread or biscuits.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can drizzle a swirl of heavy cream on top of the stew and sprinkle some additional paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of spice. Serve the stew in colorful bowls to make it visually appealing.