Are you ready to dive into a bowl of hearty goodness that warms both the body and soul? Our Kale and Ale Slow Cooker Stew is not just any vegan dish; it’s a savory celebration of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, this stew is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Imagine the rich aroma of sautéed onions and garlic mingling with the earthy notes of kale and the bold depth of ale, all simmering together for hours. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends with this delightful recipe that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1 can of ale
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the kale thoroughly and removing the tough stems. Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Peel and dice the onion into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic flavors.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an aromatic base for the stew.
- Layer the chopped kale leaves on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour the vegetable broth and ale into the slow cooker, ensuring the liquid covers most of the vegetables.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients, distributing the seasonings evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the kale to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the stew is too liquid, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to reduce.
- Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of kale and liquid. Optionally, pair with crusty bread or vegan croutons.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, wash and chop the kale, onion, and garlic the night before. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Layer Wisely: For the best flavor infusion, always add the onions and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows them to caramelize and release their flavors into the stew.
- Choose Your Ale: The type of ale you use can significantly affect the flavor of the stew. A darker ale will give a richer taste, while a lighter ale will keep it fresher. Experiment to find your favorite!
- Adjust Seasonings: After the cooking time, taste your stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, the flavors will deepen as they meld, so don’t be afraid to add a little more salt or pepper.
- Thickening Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your stew with crusty bread or homemade vegan croutons for a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top can add a cheesy flavor without any dairy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
