Svetlana's Winter Solstice Stew

Svetlana, hails from Brevoy and has perfected a warming winter solstice recipe that has become a beloved tradition among the tavern's patrons. Join us as we unveil the secret behind Svetlana's mouthwatering creation that warms both body and soul.

Ingredients

2 cups of high-quality beef broth

1 pound of tender beef stew meat, cubed

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 carrots, sliced into rounds

2 potatoes, peeled and diced

1 parsnip, chopped

1 turnip, diced

1 cup of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon of caraway seeds

1 teaspoon of paprika

1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram

Salt and pepper to taste

Sour cream, for garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

In a large, sturdy cauldron or pot fit for medieval cooking, heat a bit of oil over a hearth or open flame.

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the cauldron and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant.   Add the cubed beef stew meat to the pot and brown it on all sides, enhancing the flavor with each sear. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.   Pour in the beef broth to cover the meat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook over the open flame until the beef becomes tender and easily forked.   Add the carrots, potatoes, parsnip, and turnip to the pot, allowing them to soak up the rich flavors of the stew. Continue to simmer until the vegetables become tender.   Toss in the sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and dried marjoram. The sauerkraut adds a unique tangy twist that is characteristic of Brevoy cuisine.   Allow the stew to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together harmoniously.   Once the stew is ready, ladle it into sturdy bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of the tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and sauerkraut.   To garnish, add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. The sour cream adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the hearty stew perfectly.   Serve the steaming bowls of Svetlana's warming winter solstice stew to your guests as they gather around the tavern's cozy hearth, savoring the flavors that evoke the spirit of Brevoy's solstice traditions.   Svetlana's Warming Winter Solstice Stew is a true delight that captures the essence of a fantasy medieval tavern in the heart of Brevoy. With its hearty ingredients and a touch of sauerkraut tang, this dish warms the hearts and bellies of all who partake in its savory goodness. As the snow falls outside Oleg's Post and the solstice celebrations continue, Svetlana's recipe ensures that both the traveler and the local alike find comfort in the taste of tradition and hospitality.