Traditional Maritime Hodge Podge

This family recipe for hodge podge stew features a soul-warming combination of beans, potatoes, and carrots cooked in a savory bacon-flavored broth.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 25 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 398 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• salt to taste
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
• 1 cup fresh wax beans, trimmed and snapped
• 1 cup low-salt chicken broth
• 12 small whole new potatoes
• 1.5 cups baby carrots
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup water

Recipe Instructions

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.