A Healing Winter Stew for Deep Nourishment

Winter asks us to slow down, warm up, and nourish ourselves from the inside out. When the body is healing — whether from surgery, stress, or simply the weight of the season — food becomes more than fuel. It becomes medicine, ritual, and care.

This hearty winter stew is one of my favorite ways to support healing. It’s rich in protein, minerals, collagen, and grounding flavors — designed to warm the body, stabilize energy, and offer deep nourishment with every bite.

Paired with homemade sourdough, this meal feels both humble and sacred.

Why This Stew Supports Healing

• Grass-fed beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and zinc — all essential for tissue repair.
• Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support joints, digestion, and immune health.
• Root vegetables ground the nervous system and provide slow-burning energy.
• Garlic, herbs, and warming spices support circulation and immunity.

Healing Winter Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 1½–2 lbs grass-fed beef stew meat or chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 parsnips or turnips, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1–2 cups chopped mushrooms (optional, but deeply grounding)
• 4 cups high-quality bone broth (beef or mixed)
• 1 cup water or additional broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1–2 tsp sea salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or a fresh sprig
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: a splash of apple cider vinegar (to help extract minerals)

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Brown the beef in batches, allowing it to develop a rich crust. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
5. Return beef to the pot. Add vegetables, herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in bone broth and water, ensuring everything is just covered.
7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and flavors are well developed.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add apple cider vinegar if using.

Serve warm, paired with thick slices of homemade sourdough — perfect for soaking up the broth.

A Closing Thought

Making stew is an act of patience. You cannot rush it. Healing is much the same.

As this stew simmers, I often let it remind me: nourishment takes time, presence matters, and warmth — whether from food, breath, or kindness toward ourselves — is essential.

May this meal support you through the winter season, offering comfort, strength, and a gentle reminder that healing unfolds best when we slow down and stay present.