Crunchy Spring Stew

By QueenSashy • March 21, 2013 • 0 Comments

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Author Notes: This is a light, colorful and refreshing spring stew to welcome the new season and clean our bodies from all the thick, brown, bacon-loaded foods we (rightfully so) consumed in the winter. It takes total 12 minutes to make (plus a little prep), and it’s a wonderful meal on its own -- just grub a slice of crunchy bread, a piece of Brie, a glass of white and make a toast to spring. - QueenSashy

Serves 4-6

1 large fennel bulb
1 small yellow onion (about 4oz)
1 small red onion (about 4oz)
5 celery stalks
1 cup of frozen peas
5 ounces ham, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons lime juice
zest of half lime
1/2 cup heavy cream
Olive oil
Salt and white pepper

Prep the vegetables: Halve the onions and cut them into thin ribs. Halve the fennel lengthwise without removing the core and slice the fennel thinly crosswise, stalks included. Cut the celery stalks into ¼ inch thin ribs.
In a large sauté pan, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the ham and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the fennel and celery and cook uncovered for 2 minutes, then cover the pan and cook for another 2 minutes. Uncover, add the peas and cook for another 2 minutes. (If you are using fresh peas instead of frozen, throw the peas together with the fennel and celery.)
Add the lime zest, lime juice and heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, simmer for another two minutes or so and serve.