At this time of year, we like to have a selection of warming stews or casseroles on speed dial for those dark, cold days when only something easy but comforting will do. Typically made in just one pot and then left to work its magic on the stove, it’s the ultimate choice for some laid-back cooking. Here we’ve listed the favourites that are getting us through the winter – you’ll find everything from Jamie Oliver’s beef Bourguignon, to Ottolenghi’s corn-topped chicken stew.
Sumptuous Beef Bourguignon with Burgundy, Bacon, Button Mushrooms and Baby Onions
Jamie’s take on beef Bourguignon promises to be sumptuous and remains true to its word, with buttery meat, a glossy, Burgundy-enriched sauce and pops of earthy button mushrooms.
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Nigella Lawson’s Fear-free Fish Stew
Overcome any fear of cooking fish with Nigella’s hand-holder of a recipe, featuring fillets of white fish nestled in a tomato sauce layered with spice.
Mary Berry’s Irish Stew
If we can rely on anyone to come up with a comforting, traditional, easy-to-follow recipe, it’s Mary Berry. Her crowd-pleasing Irish stew, made with succulent lamb topped with perfectly crispy potato slices, is a guaranteed family favourite. Luckily there’s lots to go around (which will come in handy when you have everyone asking for seconds).
Potato and Chorizo Stew (Patatas a la Riojana)
For something classically Spanish, look no further than Nieves Barragán Mohacho’s potato and chorizo stew (patatas a la riojana). Not only is it bursting with smoky, earthy flavour, it’s also pretty easy on the eye when plated and garnished with a handful of bright, fresh parsley.
Sausage and Lentil Stew
The classic combination of Puy lentils and sausage in Lindsey Bareham’s sausage and lentil stew is winter comfort food defined. Easy to prepare and with mass appeal, it’s an ideal hassle-free family dinner.
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Winter Veggie Stew with Wholesome Lumpy Dumplings
For a vegetarian option, Nick Knowles’ stew with wholesome dumplings is the ultimate veg-centric winter warmer and proves that a stew doesn’t need meat to be hearty and flavoursome.
Merguez, Chorizo and Butter Bean Cassoulet
Rosemary Shrager’s sausage and bean cassoulet boasts two different types of sausage, merguez and chorizo, and extra chunky butter beans.
Tuscan Vegan Sausage and Bean Stew
Or for a vegan take on a sausage and bean stew, why not try this plant-based version from The Happy Pear, with meat-free sausages and a Tuscan-style tomato sauce.
Vegan West African Peanut Stew
Another flavour-packed vegan option, Rachel Ama’s West African peanut stew has all the hallmarks of a great stew (soothing, substantial and layered with flavour) and none of the meat.
Slow-cooked Chicken with a Crisp Corn Crust
Ottolenghi’s take on a chicken stew is topped with a corn-based topping to add sweetness and texture.
Venison, Cider and Quince Stew with Herbed Butter Dumplings
This rich and hearty venison and cider stew is guaranteed to warm you from head to toe, with its comforting butter dumplings to satisfy those inevitable winter carb cravings.
Nadiya Hussain’s Grapefruit Chicken Stew with Couscous
For a satisfying stew that has a refreshingly vibrant flavour, try Nadiya Hussain’s grapefruit chicken. The recipe is simple and easy to follow and is perfect if you’re after a lighter take on a chicken stew.
Raymond Blanc’s Classic Coq au Vin
Raymond Blanc’s coq au vin recipe is a timeless French classic and a winter dinner party favourite.
Spanish Chickpea and Almond Stew
Looking for something soothing but still fresh and light? Melissa Hemsley’s chickpea and almond stew hits all the right notes when it comes to a nourishing winter warmer. Opt for vegetable stock instead of bone broth and this makes a quick and hassle-free vegetarian dish for a dinner party.
