Recipe: Hearty Winter Bowl

Behold – a simple, satisfying, stove-top meal that is nourishing, colorful, and oh-so-flavorful. We’ve incorporated a few important components into this meal, the first being a rainbow of colorful veggies. Green, red, purple, and white (yes, even white!) veggies each offer unique nutrients that benefit various organs and systems throughout our bodies.  Not only is the variety of colors lovely, but they also offer different benefits throughout our bodies. Isn’t nature cool?

Another aspect of this recipe is that it is a plate method meal. Plenty of veggies to fill half your plate (or bowl), lean beef for protein, and white beans as a high-fiber starch. This meal in a bowl is also fabulous when reheated as lunchtime leftovers.

Hearty Winter Bowl

Serves 5-6

Ingredients:

• 1/4 C fresh sage
• 2 C leeks (about 2 stalks)
• 1 small head purple cabbage (about 3 1/2 – 4 C chopped)
• 3 red bell peppers (2 1/2 C chopped)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 C heavy cream
• 3 C kale
• 15 oz great white northern beans
• 2 C low-sodium vegetable broth
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp cheese of choice, shredded (Optional)

Directions:

1. Mince or finely chop sage leaves. Thinly slice leeks. Chop purple cabbage. Chop red peppers. Set ingredients aside.
2. On stovetop in large pan over medium heat add ground beef and sage. Brown, 15-20 minutes. 
3. In large pot on stovetop over high heat add olive oil and leeks. Cook 5-7 minutes. Leeks may begin to caramelize.
4. Add ground beef and sage to leeks. Lower to medium heat. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in cabbage and heavy cream. Cook 2-3 minutes. 
6. Add kale, bell peppers, beans, and 2 C stock. Mix well. Cover pot. Cook 30-40 minutes on low heat, stirring every 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve in bowl, adding salt, pepper, and shredded cheese, to taste.