Stews are a brilliant way of combining meat, pulses and vegetables to provide a wholesome and delicious nutrient boost for children. Due to their very nature they are easily digestible, are simple to put together and because they are one-pot dishes, there’s little washing up.
Pulses and beans are a rich source of vegetable protein and make a nice alternative, or in fact addition, to meat dishes, adding texture and flavour. They are also rich in fibre which is important for digestive health, as well as valuable vitamins and minerals such as iron which is a key nutrient to support energy levels. Sweet potato and carrots are rich in beta-carotene, the vegetable source of vitamin A, to help support a healthy immune system. We simply love the smoky paprika taste that the chorizo brings, making this one pot dish a firm family favourite. You can adapt this recipe to include other seasonal vegetables or pulses, and try adding different spices combinations for variety.
This stew also freezes brilliantly so it is always worth making an extra batch and freezing portions for other days when comfort food is required.
This is delicious served with rice, quinoa, a baked sweet or white potato and steamed garlicky broccoli.
- 500g boned chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, pasted or crushed
- 1 sweet potato, diced
- 1 stick celery, sliced into chunks
- 2 carrots, sliced into chunks
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 140g chorizo sausage (we like Unearthed chorizo), cut into small cubes
- 400ml chicken stock (preferably homemade)
- 1 200g (small tin) butter beans or kidney beans
- 1 200g (small tin) chickpeas
- 1 400g carton chopped tomatoes
- Coconut oil for frying
- Place a large casserole dish or saucepan onto a medium heat and add a generous spoonful of coconut oil.
- Add the sliced onion and sweat until soft. Remove the softened onion and place to one side.
- Next, add the chorizo and lightly sauté until crisp and brown. Once cooked, remove the chorizo and keep to one side with the onions.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan to seal in the delicious flavoured oil. You are only looking to brown the meat at this stage to add colour and flavour.
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika and tomato puree and cook for a minute or two. Then add all vegetables and return the onion and chorizo and stir thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Pour in the chicken stock and chopped tomatoes. Bring up to a boil and then down to a gentle simmer. Place the lid on the pan and cook for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and add the butter beans and chickpeas to the stew and allow to cook for a further 5 minutes in order to reduce the sauce and concentrate the flavours.
- Taste and season to your liking.
This went down really well with my family this evening. I’m trying to cut down how much meat we eat so all the veggies and beans are a great way to bulk it up. My 2 year old went mmmmm when he tasted it!
Delicious – we all loved this!