Celeriac, Fennel & Butterbean Stew
The days are brighter and longer, enticing us out of hibernation for walks to see nature awakening. However, it can be chilly, so it is good to have a warming meal to look forward to.
There are a few vegetables in season, this recipe, which I adapted from one from Waitrose, uses those veggies, is full of flavour and added magical intent, see below the recipe for the magical properties of the ingredients, to plan what your intention would be.
Ingredients –
200ml extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp Fennel Seeds
8 shallots, roughly chopped
2 bay leaves
4 clove/s garlic, roughly chopped
1 fennel bulb, cut into 2cm cubes, fronds reserved
1 celeriac, peeled and cut into rough 2cm cubes
500ml vegetable stock
2 x 400g cans butter beans
1 red chilli, finely chopped
Method –
Heat a medium sized pan over a medium heat, add the olive oil and fennel seeds. Allow to infuse for 30 seconds, then add the shallots, lemon zest, bay leaves and garlic; season. Allow the shallots to soften without colouring for around 10 minutes.
Add the fennel and celeriac to the shallots and cook for a further 2 minutes. Add the stock, turn the heat down to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 45-50 minutes, until tender, stirring every 10 minutes or so.
Once the dish is cooked, stir through the butter beans and chilli, then cook for a further 5 minutes over a medium heat. Season, serve with the reserved fennel fronds plus some buttered bread, if liked.
Magical properties –
Olives – spirituality, integrity, passion, fertility, healing, peace, protection, luck.
Shallots – passion, fertility, clear away obstacles, power, seduction.
Bay – protection, purification, strength, power, healing, creativity, spirituality, psychic powers.
Garlic – healing, protection, hex breaking, removing negative energies, lust, strength, courage.
Fennel – purification, protection, healing, communication, focus, releasing.
Celeriac – clarity, passion, fertility, health.
Butter beans – wisdom, divination, prosperity.
Chilli – creativity, energy, power, protection, passion, hex breaking.