As the winter days start to wane and the promise of spring whispers in the air, it’s time to celebrate Imbolc, a festival marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc is a time for new beginnings and the first signs of life after the cold winter months. And what better way to honor this special occasion than with a feast of comforting and nourishing foods that embody the spirit of renewal and growth. Today, we’re sharing a delightful recipe inspired by the earthy and wholesome flavors of Imbolc, perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones and welcoming the changing seasons.
Title: Winter Vegetable Stew with Herbed Dumplings
Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 sweet potato, diced
– 1 parsnip, diced
– 1 turnip, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the herbed dumplings:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced sweet potato, parsnip, and turnip. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the peas through.
To make the herbed dumplings:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
2. Pour in the milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 10-12 minutes until they are cooked through.
Serve the warm and comforting winter vegetable stew with herbed dumplings hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. This hearty dish is a celebration of the seasonal produce available during Imbolc and is sure to warm both body and soul on a chilly winter evening. Enjoy this delicious meal with loved ones, reflecting on the changing of the seasons and the promise of new beginnings just around the corner.
