The Mennonite Formavorscht recipe is a traditional farmer-style stew that brings together tender beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Loved for its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients, this dish has been passed down through generations as a staple in Mennonite kitchens.
Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, Formavorscht is more than just a stew—it’s a taste of heritage and simple, wholesome cooking. Whether you’re looking for a new beef stew variation or exploring Mennonite cuisine, this recipe delivers a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy around the table.
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Key Ingredients for Formavorscht:
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful and comforting Mennonite farmer-style stew:
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Make Mennonite Formavorscht:
This Mennonite Formavorscht is surprisingly easy to make, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The rich beef broth and tender vegetables create a comforting base, while the beef provides a robust flavor. This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a weekend dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor in the stew. Don’t overcrowd the pot; sear the beef in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Combine and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, lifting any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), potatoes, carrots, celery, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the seared beef to the pot.- Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef and vegetables are tender. The longer the stew simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for the last 5 minutes of simmering. This will ensure that the peas stay bright green and retain their fresh flavor.
- Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cold water until smooth. This slurry will act as a thickening agent for the stew.
- Incorporate Thickener: Slowly pour the flour mixture into the simmering stew, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. The stew should coat the back of a spoon when it’s thick enough.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Mennonite Formavorscht into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty and flavorful farmer-style stew!
Why You’ll Love This Formavorscht
The best part about this Formavorscht is its simplicity and satisfying flavor. The hearty combination of beef, vegetables, and rich broth creates a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for a cold day. Plus, making this dish at home is a budget-friendly way to feed the whole family – a pound of stew meat goes a long way!
The earthy flavors of thyme, combined with the sweetness of carrots and peas, makes each bite a delightful experience. If you’re a fan of other hearty stews like beef bourguignon, you’ll definitely want to give this Mennonite Formavorscht a try. Its simplified recipe makes it perfect for a quick week-night meal. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness! Prepare to fall in love with a simple, soul-warming meal.
What to Serve Formavorscht With
To complement this hearty Mennonite Formavorscht, consider serving it with some crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the flavorful broth. A side of mashed potatoes or egg noodles would also be a delicious addition, adding extra heartiness to the meal.
For a lighter accompaniment, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
Top Tips for Perfecting Formavorscht:
- Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! It’s crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor in the stew. Make sure to sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Use Quality Beef Broth: The quality of your beef broth will significantly impact the overall flavor of the stew. Opt for a good quality, low-sodium beef broth for the best results. You can use homemade broth, if available!
- Adjust Vegetables to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the type and amount of vegetables to suit your preferences. Add turnips, parsnips, or other root vegetables for a unique twist.
- Adjust Thickening if Necessary: If your stew isn’t thickening enough, whisk together another tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the stew. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Don’t Overcook the Peas: Add the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Add wine for a deeper flavour. A half a cup of dry red wine adds notes and complexity to the dish. If adding wine, add after sautéing the beef and deglaze the pan with the wine.
- Spice it up. Feel free to add half a teaspoon of smoked paprika if you desire a stronger flavour.
Final Thoughts:
This Mennonite Formavorscht recipe is more than just a stew; it’s a taste of tradition, a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly flavorful. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a taste of this classic farmer-style stew. You might even start a new tradition in your own home!
And Try also:
- Vareniki Recipe
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails
- Mennonite Butterscotch Pie Recipe
- Our Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat besides beef?
While beef is traditional in Formavorscht, you can substitute it with pork or even chicken. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the beef as directed in the recipe and then transfer all ingredients (except the peas and thickening mixture) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the peas for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Thicken with the flour-water slurry as directed in the recipe after the stew is finished cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While traditionally Formavorscht is a meat-based dish, you can try making a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Mennonite Formavorscht Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Formavorscht, a hearty Mennonite farmer-style stew, is made with tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables simmered in a rich broth. Comforting, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Add diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return beef to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until beef and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour and cold water until smooth. Slowly add to the stew, stirring constantly to thicken. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Best served hot with crusty bread. Letting the stew simmer longer deepens the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mennonite
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg