paleo stew

Hey wait, is it really Friday night? Where did this week go? Four word recap of my week: OMG BUSY BUSY BUSY. 

Funny story: I really wanted to make some cauliflower rice, especially so because I was given a legitimate food processor for Christmas. But... my plan was foiled... all because the darn thing scares the bejesus out of me. Not only does it come with normal instructions... it comes with UNPACKING instructions due to super duper sharp blades. I am a clumsy girl-- in my mind, all I could think was how J-Hay would come home that night that a girlfriend mauled by her new food processor. So what did I do? I unpacked everything, attempted to attach the shredding blade, and then gave up about five minutes later. A battle for another night.

This week I was craving something hearty, warm, and filling. Chili immediately came to mind. But I didn't really want chili exactly. Instead, I made a Paleo stew. It passed the J-Hay test, but I know how to tweak it for next time.  

Paleo Stew

• one head of cauliflower
• two or three zucchini and/or summer squash
• healthy serving of mushrooms
• healthy serving of sliced and diced carrots
• two cans diced tomato
• half can tomato paste
• salt/pepper/etc

Prepare your veggies: if you've got a food processor and aren't afraid to use it (unlike me, whomp whomp), make some cauliflower rice! Instead, I chopped into smaller florets. Dice your squash. Slice your mushrooms. Dice your carrots. I know, I'm so technical when it comes to amounts and cooking technique :)

Empty both cans of diced tomatoes, cauliflower, and carrots into big pot. Let simmer. Add seasonings. Then, add tomato paste. Mix well. Finally, add all veggies, mix well again. Cover the pot, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until warm. 

Leftover stew for lunch... yummm

For J-Hay, I added chicken sausage on top of his bowl of stew. I also roasted and then mashed a couple of sweet potatoes to add as a base to my stew. I really wanted to make sweet potato biscuits... but alas, I ran out of time (and energy). 

And there you have it. So simple. Pretty quick. FULL OF VEGGIES YES. 

Stay hungry, my friends :)