OLD FASHIONED MEATBALL STEW RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large dutch oven or stock pot, add onion, celery, carrots, garlic and bay leaf. Place chicken on top, and add water. (If your pot will only hold 10 cups of water at first, the remaining water can be added later, as some of it will evaporate.) Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1-1/2 hours.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove chicken to a plate to cool. Strain the broth, and discard the vegetables.
• At this point, the broth may be cooled and frozen for later use, or you may continue on with the recipe. This is an excellent time to remove any remaining fat from the broth.
• Remove the meat from the bones, cut and set aside.
• Return the broth to a clean pot. Bring to a boil and add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 1/2 hour.
• Add the chicken, bouillon, frozen vegetables, and noodles. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Steps:

• Brown meat in a large preheated and lightly oiled stock pot or dutch oven over med high heat until meat has browned on all sides.
• Add onion and celery and continue to brown for a few minutes, stirring often.
• Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute stirring constantly.
• Add parsley, bay leaves, undrained tomatoes and stock to pan and carefully scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Bring all to a boil then reduce to simmer and cook for 2 hours or until meat just begins to get tender.
• Add potatoes and carrots and cook about 30 more minutes or until vegetables and meat are all tender.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. A pinch of sugar will be a surprising touch that will mellow any acidity from the tomatoes and really bring out all the flavors well. JUST a pinch--any more will make it sweet and strange. For the first time try adding just a few granules in in a bowl of the stew and see if you like it.
• THICKER STEW: Add a slurry of cornstarch and cold water to hot stew and cook to desired consistency.
• MORE VEGGIES: Try adding some fresh or frozen corn kernels, diced zucchini, shredded cabbage, fresh or frozen peas or any other veggies you like when you add the carrots and potatoes.
• NOTE: Do not let anyone eat the bay leaves! They can be removed before serving!