Scottish-inspired Hearty Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

While the original Peruvian Menestrón is a meat-based soup, this Scottish-inspired version is a vegetarian stew that highlights the abundance of seasonal vegetables found in Scotland. The spices and flavor profile have been adapted to incorporate traditional Scottish herbs and spices, giving it a distinct Highland twist. We alse have the original recipe for Menestrón, 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, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 turnip, peeled and diced 1 turnip, peeled and diced
• 2 leeks, sliced 2 leeks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, turnip, and sliced leeks to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the dried thyme over the vegetables and add the bay leaves.
5. 5.
   Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring it to a boil.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Ensure that the potatoes are diced into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Leeks — Thoroughly wash the leeks to remove any dirt or sand trapped between the layers.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier stew, you can add cooked barley or lentils to the pot.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what is in season or available locally.
• Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Highland Harvest Stew piping hot in individual bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider serving the stew in rustic ceramic bowls or cast-iron pots. Accompany the dish with a basket of freshly baked Scottish oatcakes or soda bread.