April in Texas is not the time to cook a thick lamb stew, which is the best way to describe this week's French Fridays with Dorie selection:
Navarin Printanier. It hit 88 degrees yesterday. After half a bowl, I broke a sweat. My husband reminded me that it's still chilly in other parts of the country, so this wasn't a totally unseasonable choice to be put on the schedule. I know he's right, but that didn't help me want to eat it.
I've said before that I just don't like stew. I would like to amend that statement. I don't like beef stew. I've been delighted with most lamb stews that I've tried, and this one is no exception. Between the turnips and the pearl onions, the smell reminded me of Thanksgiving. The tomato paste and the large amount of flour used to thicken the broth made it even more hearty than stews I've eaten before. This would be lovely if you were snowed in. I'll keep it in mind for next winter, when I live someplace that actually gets damp and cold.
Conclusion: Liked it. Not to mention that it used up the bag of pearl onions that's been in my freezer since Thanksgiving, as well as my bag of baby carrots. The great freezer purge continues!
Way to purge :-)
ReplyDeleteI made a beef version, since no one in my house will eat lamb. We've tried. It was not pretty.
Yeah, stew in Texas this time of year - not fun.
We are having a cold spell here in NJ and in fact a freeze warning has been issued for tonight! The stew was perfect for our weather. I don’t think I would have wanted to make a stew if it was 88 degrees. Sorry this didn’t fit the time of year in Texas! Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe do indeed seem to be on the same page when it comes to stew. I don't understand why exactly, but when I stew lamb it always comes out perfectly cooked and tender. No so with my beef. And considering that beef costs about 5 times here what lamb does, it is just so not worth it. BUT, and here is my big caveat, I think that I would still rather have something else; a nice lamb chops or a bowl of soup. I thought that this was good for stew, but I still can't see myself choosing to make this again.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have gotten some reasonably priced lamb but I made mine with beef - glad your lamb turned out. It looks delicious even though it was too hot to eat it!
ReplyDeleteIt was hot in my neck of the woods also. I think of lamb stew as an all-in-one winter meal and will pull it out at that time. I agree, delicious. And, to be able to use up some leftover freezer items, good for you.
ReplyDeleteI prefer lamb stew anytime and this is one delicious one. I have thank dorie for shring this recipe in her book AMFT. Love it! I used leg of lamb and gosh it was one fantastic stew! Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteAdding some sherry gave it some additional flavor, at least I thought so.
ReplyDeleteBut, yes, it does seem like a cool weather dish.
Ha! Another Texan trying to eat stew at this time of the year. And you get the prize because you have so much more humidity...
ReplyDeleteIt's autumn here in Australia so it was nice timing for us! But I have to be admit I've made stews in summer too, I just crave them sometimes!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for going ahead and making this when it was so warm! I was hoping it would cool down by the time I made this and it did mid-week, otherwise I don't think I would have been as excited about eating it. We also loved the flavors of this stew. Your stew looks great!
ReplyDeleteHey, it's pretty hot over here but that didn't stop me making this either. At least those pearl onions were put to good use before your move, I couldn't even get hold of those over here! That stew looks lively and yummy with all the colorful vegetables :)
ReplyDeleteNice use of the onions. Now what to do with my own extra onions...
ReplyDeleteA very nice way to use up freezer leftovers! I have to say that "navarin printanier" sounds way prettier than "thick lamb stew." But I'm not sure I'd have had the energy to make it, whatever it's called, in near 90-degree weather. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI just read your comment about your trip to Paris when you were pregnant. Eating chocolate rather
ReplyDeletethan drinking. That is the best excuse for eating chocolate I have ever heard. Only kidding, it is a great
city and any chance I get to travel there I am ready. Have passport, will travel..... A great stew for
a cold day and a great way to use up veggies and such. Happy weekend.
Ugh. I can't imagine making this in the heat, but in the cooler weather here, it definitely hit the spot. I don't care for beef stew either. I haven't heard of anyone else who felt the same, so I'm glad to know I'm not alone.
ReplyDeleteLOL! It was pretty cold, rainy and dreary the day we made the stew here but I can understand not wanting to make this one on such a warm day!
ReplyDeleteAlice @ http://acookingmizer.wordpress.com
Yeah, I can definitely see craving this in the winter or fall ... maybe early spring but not when it's hot!!! You are a brave woman : )
ReplyDeleteFair enough--not great weather to cook up a stew! I wish you a fresh snowfall the next time you make it. I think I like it better than beef stew.
ReplyDelete