Grab a spoon and dig into warm bowl of happiness to ward off the winter chill.
Photo by Karen Hermann
SERVES 6–8
1½ tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 scallions, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken stock
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and ½-inch cubed
3 cups corn kernels (canned or frozen)
2 cans black beans, well drained
1 small jar (4 ounces) pimentos, drained and chopped
½ cup half-and-half
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Pinch, crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon arrowroot (or cornstarch)
1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
Additional chopped cilantro (or parsley), for garnish
In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onions, scallions and peppers until soft. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute longer. Add stock and sweet potatoes and increase heat to medium high. Bring to a boil and simmer for 6 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Stir in corn, beans, pimentos, half-and-half, salt and peppers and bring to a simmer. Mix arrowroot with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into hot mixture. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until mixture starts to thicken; add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat, cover and let stand until shrimp are cooked, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro or parsley. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with additional cilantro or parsley. Serve with crusty bread, if desired.
___
Related stories
Complement these meals with homemade bread and treat yourself to more winter favorites.
Cold weather comfort foods—These quick and easy meals are guaranteed to please even the hungriest of chilled tummies.
Slow-cooker entreés—Put hearty meals on the table with a little help from your slow cooker and Chef Belinda Smith-Sullivan’s recipes for everything from Zesty Gumbo to Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks.
No-knead Baguettes—Ooh la la! Chef Belinda’s recipe for classic French bread is tres magnifique! You’ll find it in the “No-knead breads, part II” collection.
Hearty soups and stews—Nothing hits the spot on a cold winter day quite like a warm bowl of soup or stew. From classic Ham and Bean Soup to rich Beef Burgundy Stew, Chef Belinda shares some of her favorite recipes.