Stew Tips

[Willamena]

Help! My stew is ugly.

I make stews often in my crockpot, but they always come out looking grey and ugly. Is there some way to make them look more appetizing?

[Seyorni]

Don't overcook. Add ingredients at different times, depending on their individual cooking times.

[Engyo]

Like Seyorni said. Start with meats and flavorers (onions, garlic, etc.). Save colorful veggies for last 1/2 to 1 hour. If leaving set the pot to the lowest temp, until you return.

[Terrywoodenpic]

It should never look grey. you must be over cooking. as the others say add most of the vegetables last after all most only take a few minutes to cook through.
I always add a few to start with to generate that stew taste.
A good stew should always have dumplings cooked in with it.
and serve with more fresh vegetables and and potatoes.
better for you and looks better.

It helps the colour if you thoroughly brown the meat before adding to the pot.

When I was a boy scout we made everlasting stew at camp.
You made a giant stew the first day then topped it up each day with whatever you had.
It got better and better.

[Willamena]

Thank you, guys.

[Autodidact]

Did your brown your meat before adding? Also I don't use water, but beef stock, maybe a dash of soy sauce or maggi for color and flavor.

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by Autodidact

Did your brown your meat before adding? Also I don't use water, but beef stock, maybe a dash of soy sauce or maggi for color and flavor.

I make mostly vegetable stews, actually, or fish.

[Seyorni]

As a vegetarian I substitute beans, braized tofu or seitan for meat. I usually use a tomato or a miso based stock.

[Jayhawker Soule]

Allspice!