Create Exciting Seasonal Stews with Leo Foods this Autumn
Now that Autumn is upon us (and so is the rain!), there’s something so cosy about enjoying autumnal stews and casseroles, with their rich, hearty flavours and aromatic spices.
In this blog, we’ll be looking at what stews and casseroles are enjoyable this season and how you can shop all your store cupboard essentials here at Leo Foods in Marbella!
Stews and Casseroles to Enjoy
Autumn is a time of cooling temperatures and turning leaves, and whipping up batches of stews and casseroles are a wonderful canvas for showcasing the season’s characteristics. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, along with seasonal favourites such as pumpkins, take centre stage in these dishes. Their natural sweetness and earthy flavours intensify when slow-cooked, adding depth and warmth to every meal.
Aromatic Spices and Seasonings
Autumnal stews and casseroles are often prepared with a selection of aromatic spices and seasonings that awaken the senses during these dull days. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and five spice create a warm, sweet and comforting backdrop, whilst herbs like parsley, rosemary, thyme, star anise, bay leaves and sage add a savoury complexity.
Culinary Creativity
Stews and casseroles are versatile meals for culinary creativity. Whether you prefer a classic beef stew with tender chunks of meat, or a vegetarian casserole packed full of seasonal vegetables, there’s a recipe to suit every palate and dietary preference. Experiment with different protein sources, grains, and vegetables to serve your own autumnal edible piece of art.
Sharing is Caring
One of the more beautiful aspects of autumnal stews and casseroles is the tradition of sharing. Whether served at family gatherings, intimate dinners, or parties, these dishes bring people together and create a sense of community and togetherness. The act of spending hours together in the kitchen while preparing a steaming stew, or simply digging into the first piece of a casserole while seated at a table filled with the people you care about, is what dining together is all about.
World Flavours with Leo Foods
At Leo Foods, we pride ourselves on offering an unmatched selection of spices, seasonings, beans, and pulses that will ignite your culinary creativity and empower you to craft incredible stews and casseroles from around the world.
Stews and casseroles offer a window into diverse cultures across the world, each reflecting its unique tastes and traditions. In France, where Coq au Vin unites tender chicken, red wine, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs in a rich and flavourful masterpiece. Travelling east to Morocco, the fragrant Tagine captivates with its blend of slow-cooked meats, vegetables, and exotic spices. In South America, the Brazilian Feijoada celebrates black beans, pork, and sausages, delivering a savoury experience. Our journey then whisks us to Japan, where the Nikujaga balances sweet and savoury, with tender beef, potatoes, soy sauce, and mirin. From the warmth of Irish lamb stew to the boldness of Indian curry and the comfort of American beef stew, stews symbolise global gastronomy’s art, fusing techniques and ingredients from all corners of the world. At Leo Foods in Marbella, we invite you to embark on this culinary adventure, exploring a medley of tastes and traditions as you craft your own stews inspired by these international classics.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply an enthusiastic home cook, our selection of worldwide food and drinks will allow you to explore the boundless flavours of the world.
Here’s a delicious recipe for you to try with products that you can buy at Leo Foods:
Lentil, Bean and Tomato Stew
Difficulty: Easy
Prep & Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
340g dried lentils
1 package kidney beans , drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced or
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon Cumin
2 tablespoons Paprika
450g mushrooms, rinsed
2 pinches salt
2 pinches black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
350 ml water
Method
1. Cook lentils according to packaging in a large pan.
2. Add water, diced onions, tomatoes, garlic and beans.
3. Add all spices.
4. Cook on medium heat until boiling.
5. Add mushrooms and finally allow to simmer for 20 minutes on low temperature.
6. Serve warm, with herbs.
