Happy Tuesday! It’s been a rainy week here in Durham, after a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend! Since it’s finally feeling like stew soup weather (Ben tells me that stew has to have more “stuff” and less liquid, although I seriously beg to differ that this stew doesn’t have enough “stuff” in it…), I decided to raid the pantry and make a healthy, hearty supper to warm the bones.
I added a sliced apple for some sweetness (compliments of my Mother-in-law, Julie, who knows my favorite kind is Stayman and went out of her way to make sure I came home with a dozen after our visit to Pittsburgh this weekend!), and a bit of lemon juice and balsamic at the end for a tiny little bit of sharpness to balance out the starchiness of the squash and sweetness of the apple!
Serve with crusty bread and protein of choice, of course.

- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 8 oz sliced bella mushrooms
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 sliced apple
- 1 cup shredded or sliced brussels sprouts
- 1 tsp dry rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 32 oz. box low sodium vegetable stock (or chicken stock if non-vegetarian)
- 2 cans diced or stewed tomatoes and juice
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- dash of lemon juice (optional)
- dash of balsamic vinegar (optional)
- salt and pepper
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium high and add onions and garlic until softened- about 3 min. Add mushrooms, apple and squash and cook until tender and squash is lightly browned, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add brussels sprouts and cook about 1 more minute.
- Remove from heat. Stir in spices and salt and pepper.
- Add mixture to crock pot, followed by stock, tomatoes, and white beans. Cook at least 4 hours on high, or 6 hours on low. (*Note: if not using slow cooker, you can also add all ingredients into a big stockpot and bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.)
- Just before serving, stir in balsamic and/or lemon juice, and more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with crusty bread and cheese!
Have you put up your Christmas decorations yet? I feel like I just took down the Halloween ones! What’s your favorite holiday to decorate for?
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