Creamy Vegetable Stew with Ham - Schnüsch

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 leek, sliced 1 leek, sliced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 8 ounces (225g) smoked ham, diced 8 ounces (225g) smoked ham, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced leek, diced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. 5.
   Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Add the thickened cream sauce, frozen peas, and diced smoked ham to the pot of vegetables. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Schnüsch hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Smoked ham — If you prefer a milder smoky flavor, you can use cooked ham instead of smoked ham.
• Leek — Thoroughly wash the leek slices to remove any dirt or sand trapped between the layers.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
• Customize the vegetables according to the season. Use fresh asparagus in spring or butternut squash in autumn for a seasonal twist.
• Add a splash of white wine to the stew for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the Schnüsch with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to meld even further.

Serving advice

Serve the Schnüsch as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread or boiled potatoes. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled sausages.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Schnüsch with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls or a large serving dish to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.