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Basic Wartime Stew – Recipe No. 228

I’m eating up my 3rd and final portion of this stew as I write my blog. It’s pretty much my go to when I need to use up root vegetables and celery and it’s so easy to create. Stew was likely commonplace in most wartime kitchens!

There are so many variations of recipes when you look through WW2 cook books. None are right or wrong, a stew is just throwing things together to create a thick and textured soup and often a very economical dish! Often people during the war would throw all sorts in such as porridge, bacon rinds, dripping, even leftovers!

Here is the recipe for the stew I made yesterday.

Basic Wartime Stew

  • Mixed root vegetables (I used swede, parsnip and carrots)
  • Onions or leeks
  • Any other veg that needs using up (I used courgette and celery)
  • Tomatoes if preferred (although I prefer it without)
  • Soup mix, lentils or beans for protein (make sure these are pre-soaked if instructions on the packet say so)
  • Vegetable stock
  • Bisto Gravy Powder for thickening
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Knob of butter or margarine

Method

  • Chop swede, carrot and parsnip into smallish pieces/slices
  • Chop onion or leek and celery
  • Gently fry onion/leek and celery in the pan until translucent
  • Add in chopped vegetables (and tomatoes if you include these) – set aside the vegetables that only need a short cook so you can add them in later.
  • Add water/vegetable stock to cover and simmer
  • Add in soup mix, lentils or beans if required (make sure these have been soaked if the instructions specify on the packet). Add more water if required.
  • Cook until everything is nearly cooked and add in the final vegetables like courgette/marrow/leafy greens
  • Prepare Bisto gravy powder and add in slowly stirring continuously, adjust water if needed.
  • Add salt and pepper and cook for another 5-10 minutes
  • Serve with bread or steamed potatoes.

Serves 3-4 people with bread and/or potatoes

Costs about £1 per portion

PS: I’m baking a wartime “Country Cake” right now, I haven’t cooked a cake for ages! I needed to christen my new stand mixer (Christmas present!)

C xxxx

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