Traditional Maritime Hodge Podge
Description
This family recipe for hodge podge stew features a soul-warming combination of beans, potatoes, and carrots cooked in a savory bacon-flavored broth.
Ingredients
•
6 slices bacon
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 small onion, roughly chopped
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1 small garlic clove
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1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
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1 cup fresh wax beans, trimmed and snapped
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1 1/2 cups baby carrots
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1 cup low-salt chicken broth
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1/4 cup water
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salt to taste
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12 small whole new potatoes
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup water
Directions
1
Cook bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble and set aside.
2
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook and stir until garlic has softened and onion begins to turn golden brown, about 8 minutes. Scrape mixture into a small bowl. Remove garlic clove, mash, and return to the bowl.
3
Place beans and carrots into the same pot. Pour in chicken broth and enough water to just cover the vegetables; season with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
4
Stir in potatoes and cook until tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in garlic-onion mixture, cream, and remaining 4 tablespoons butter; return to a simmer.
5
Dissolve flour in 1/2 cup water and stir into the soup. Cook and stir until soup has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with crumbled bacon.