comfort essentials: italian meatball stew

How To Make comfort essentials: italian meatball stew

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  What will you need? A crockpot, an instant pot, or slow cooker is what you need. If you have a good heavy-bottom pot with a cover, you could put this into the oven at about 220f/105c for 2 – 3 hours, but I have not tried that method.
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  Step 3
  The Meatballs If you are using frozen, store-bought meatballs that will cut way down on your prep time. If, however, you tend towards making homemade, this is one of my favorite meatball recipes: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/pork/delicious-beef-pork-meatballs.html
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  Step 4
  What is it? This is a meatball stew similar to one that my Aunt Josephine used to make. It was usually reserved for the Autumn/Winter months, but I enjoy it all year long. I never got the recipe from her, so this is my memory of what I remember it tasted like. Think I got pretty close.
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  Step 5
  What to serve with it? A stew like this does not need much, but I would definitely include some freshly baked Italian bread. That is about all it needs.
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  Step 6
  How to store it? This stew will last about 5 – 6 days if covered in the fridge. However, you can freeze it and if you do, it will last several months. If you have a vacuum sealer that seals liquids (they make them, but are expensive), this stew will last 12 – 14 months.
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  Step 7
  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 8
  Peel and cube your potatoes and place them in a bowl of water with a few drops of lemon juice. This will keep them from browning until they are needed. FYI: Peeling is optional.
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  Step 9
  Thinly slice the onions, cut up the carrots, and mince the garlic.
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  Step 10
  Add all the liquid ingredients (except the diced tomatoes) to a measuring cup or bowl and whisk to combine. Then add all the dry spices and whisk again to combine.
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  Step 11
  Add the veggies and the meatballs to the bowl of your slow cooker.
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  Step 12
  Pour in the liquid base (with the spices), then add the diced tomatoes and gently stir to combine.
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  Step 13
  Set your slow cooker to low and allow the stew to cook for 5 – 6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
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  Step 14
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 15
  Serve while nice and hot with some crusty bread, and maybe a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy.
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  Step 16
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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  Step 17
  Namasté
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