The Comfort of Curry: My Mulligatawny Stew

The scent of curry always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t Indian, but she loved experimenting with flavors, and Mulligatawny stew was one of her signature dishes. I remember the rich, aromatic steam rising from her ancient crockpot, filling the house with the promise of a warm, comforting meal on a chilly autumn evening. The sweet tang of apples mingled with the savory spice of curry, creating a symphony of flavors that I’ve been chasing ever since. This recipe is my homage to her adventurous spirit and her knack for creating magic in the kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 4 quarts
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (easily adaptable to vegan)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chicken soup base (see notes for vegan option)
• 7 cups water
• 1 cup lentils
• 2/3 cup brown rice
• 2 cups apples
• 3 cups tomatoes
• 1/4 cup celery
• 1/2 cup onion
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 4 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Ingredient Notes:

• Chicken soup base: For a vegan version, substitute with vegetable bouillon cubes or a vegan chicken-style bouillon. Ensure it’s a flavorful base to compensate for the chicken flavor.
• Lentils: Red lentils will cook down more and create a creamier texture, while green or brown lentils will hold their shape better. Use your preference.
• Apples & Tomatoes: This recipe shines with peak-season produce. Aim for a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth. Roma tomatoes or other meaty varieties work well.
• Curry Powder: Adjust the amount of curry powder to your spice preference. Some curry powders are milder than others.

Equipment Needed

• 4-quart crock pot (slow cooker)
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Begin by chopping the apples and tomatoes. Aim for a small dice, about 1/2 inch. This will help them break down nicely during the long cooking process. You’ll need about 3-4 apples and 3-4 large tomatoes.
2. Next, finely chop the celery and onion. Smaller pieces will meld into the stew, adding subtle flavor without being overly noticeable. A 1/4 cup of chopped celery and 1/2 cup of chopped onion is what we need.
3. In the crock pot, stir together the chicken soup base (or vegan alternative) and water. Make sure the base is fully dissolved before adding other ingredients.
4. Now, it’s time to combine all the ingredients in the 4-quart crock pot. Add the chopped apples, tomatoes, celery, and onion. Then add the lentils, brown rice, raisins, curry powder, cinnamon, black pepper, and sea salt.
5. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
6. Cover the crock pot and simmer on high for 3 hours, or until the stew has thickened and the lentils and rice are cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your crock pot.
7. After 3 hours, check the consistency. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Boost the Flavor: For a deeper flavor, toast the curry powder in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding it to the stew. Be careful not to burn it!
• Thickening the Stew: If your stew is too thin after 3 hours, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
• Make Ahead: This stew is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen over time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Mulligatawny Stew hot, garnished with a dollop of plain yogurt (or coconut yogurt for a vegan option) and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A side of warm naan bread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	164.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	8 g	5%
Total Fat	1 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	318.8 mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	36.5 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	5.3 g	21%
Sugars	14.2 g	N/A
Protein	4.9 g	9%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Mulligatawny: Ensure you’re using a vegan chicken soup base substitute.
• Creamier Texture: Add a can of coconut milk during the last hour of cooking for a richer, creamier stew.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetable Variety: Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Add heartier vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the beginning with the other ingredients, and leafy greens like spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for a more substantial meal.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this stew on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can. Simmer on low heat for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the lentils and rice are cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I use different types of lentils?
A: Absolutely! Red lentils will break down more and create a creamier texture, while green or brown lentils will hold their shape better.

Q: Can I freeze this stew?
A: Yes, it freezes very well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Q: I don’t have brown rice; can I use white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute white rice, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Check for doneness after 2.5 hours.

Q: Can I add other spices?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger, turmeric, or cumin to customize the flavor to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Mulligatawny Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s a reminder of cozy evenings, family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own cherished memories in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and make it your own. And please, share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Perhaps a glass of crisp white wine or a spiced chai latte would complement this wonderfully warming stew.