Bold Mediterranean Spam and Mushroom Stew
What Started it all:
Spam, Mushroom, cereal, crockpot
This Mediterranean-inspired stew combines the unexpected flavors of spam and mushrooms, enriched with the crunch of cereal for a unique texture.
Ingredients
- 1 can of Spam, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cereal (preferably a whole grain variety)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the Spam and slice the mushrooms. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Spam: Add the diced Spam to the skillet. Cook until the Spam is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine in Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and browned Spam into the crockpot. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix well to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The mushrooms should be tender, and the flavors well melded.
- Add Cereal: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cereal to the crockpot. This will allow it to absorb some of the flavorful broth and add a unique texture to the stew.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
This Bold Mediterranean Spam and Mushroom Stew is a testament to how unconventional ingredients can come together to create a memorable dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy the bold flavors and the delightful crunch!