Bauerntopf: Hearty German Farmer’s Stew Recipe
A Deliciously Simple ‘Bauerntopf’ Recipe, Inspired by Traditional German Farmer’s Cuisine!
Discover the comforting flavors of ‘Bauerntopf’, a classic German dish historically enjoyed by farmers. Made with familiar ingredients, this recipe offers a wonderfully accessible way to experience authentic German home cooking. Its rich taste and satisfying texture make it perfect for a cozy meal.
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 100g ground meat (pork or beef)
- 1/2 bell pepper (any color, or a mix for visual appeal)
Tomato Sauce Base
- 1 can (approx. 400g) peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 pinches of salt (or to taste)
- 2 pinches of black pepper (or to taste)
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder or chicken stock powder
- 4 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (approx. 400g) peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 pinches of salt (or to taste)
- 2 pinches of black pepper (or to taste)
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder or chicken stock powder
- 4 cherry tomatoes, halved
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s prepare all the ingredients for a delicious ‘Bauerntopf’! Make sure to wash all the vegetables thoroughly.
Step 2
Dice the potatoes, carrot, bell pepper, and optional cherry tomatoes into roughly 2cm cubes. Cutting them into uniform sizes will help ensure they cook evenly.
Step 3
Heat a pot over medium heat and add a little cooking oil. Add the ground meat to the pot.
Step 4
As the ground meat cooks, break it up into smaller pieces with your spoon. Continue to sauté until the meat releases its juices.
Step 5
Once the meat has lost its pink color and has browned slightly, add the diced potatoes and carrots. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lightly coats the vegetables in oil, enhancing their flavor.
Step 6
Now, let’s build the tomato sauce. Add the optional halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 7
Pour in the can of chopped peeled tomatoes. Use your spoon to gently break down the whole tomatoes further, mixing them into the other ingredients.
Step 8
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding any vegetable bouillon powder or chicken stock powder you might have on hand. Liquid stock is also a great option.
Step 9
Add about 1 teaspoon of your chosen bouillon powder to deepen the stew’s taste.
Step 10
Stir everything together well, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Don’t rush this simmering process; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 11
After 20 minutes, remove the lid and check the tenderness of the vegetables. Add the diced bell pepper and stir it in. Cook for just a few more minutes to retain a slight crunch in the pepper.
Step 12
It’s time to season! Add 4 pinches of salt and 2 pinches of pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Once seasoned, cover the pot again and continue to cook on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to harmonize.
Step 13
Finally, taste the stew one last time and adjust seasoning if needed. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley (optional).
Step 14
Your hearty and comforting German ‘Bauerntopf’ is ready to be enjoyed! Guten Appetit!
