Civil War Commissary Beef Stew
User Reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
Civil War Commissary Beef Stew
Report
Learn what Union Soldiers ate during the Civil War, and try a historical recipe for Commissary Beef Stew from Captain James M. Sanderson.
Share:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons pork fat or lard (vegetable oil can be subbed to make kosher)
- 3 quarts water
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 onions, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 1 leek, trimmed, sliced, and rinsed clean
- 1/4 cup flour
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Optional Ingredients
- Chopped turnips or salsify
Instructions
- Sprinkle the stew meat with salt and pepper. Heat the fat in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the meat and sauté for a few minutes, stirring frequently, till well browned, but not fully cooked.
- Transfer the browned meat to a large pot and cover with 3 quarts (12 cups) of water. Bring to a boil. Skim the fat that rises to the surface. Add the potatoes, carrots, onions, parsnips and sliced leek to the pot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with 1/2 cup cold water till a thick, smooth liquid forms.
- Slowly stir the flour water into the stew pot. Season the pot with salt and pepper (I used 1 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper; use more or less to taste if you prefer). Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat a low simmer. Let the stew simmer for 3 1/2 hours, stirring periodically and skimming any fat that rises to the top. If the stew becomes too thick over time, you can add additional liquid to thin it out as needed.
- At the end of cooking, the meat should be very tender and the sauce rich and thick. Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
371kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
35g
(70%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
91mg
(30%)
Sodium
92mg
(4%)
Potassium
970mg
(28%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
4005IU
(80%)
Vitamin C
23.4mg
(26%)
Calcium
84mg
(8%)
Iron
6.9mg
(38%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 371 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 371kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 92mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 970mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 4005IU | 80% |
| Vitamin C | 23.4mg | 26% |
| Calcium | 84mg | 8% |
| Iron | 6.9mg | 38% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
Other Recipes
You'll Also Love
