Locro de Zapallo (Acorn Squash Stew)

Well New Yorkers, sounds like we’re in for another snow storm this weekend. If you’re looking to hunker down with a hearty yet healthy meal, wherever you may be, I suggest this traditional South American vegetarian stew. It’s thick, warm, and flavorful—what more could you ask for? This recipe comes from Gerard at New York Vintners.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup vegetable or olive oil
• 1 red onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 3 lbs acorn squash
• 1 cup peas or fava beans
• 1½ cups corn (white if possible)
• 3 potatoes
• 2 cups low sodium vegetable stock
• 3½ ounces queso fresco, crumbled
• 1 tbsp Peruvian yellow chili paste (aji amarillo)
• salt and pepper
• cilantro

Directions

1. Put oil in pot, add onion and garlic and fry over medium heat, add chili paste, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for about 5 minutes.
2. Add diced squash, peas and corn (if using fresh), and the potatoes.
3. Add vegetable stock, cover, and cook over low heat for about 30 min. or until the squash begins to crumble. If necessary add more stock. (If using frozen peas and corn add after 20 minutes).
4. When all the ingredients are cooked add the cheese.
5. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and cubed fresh cheese for decoration.

6. ALTERNATIVE: While the dish is simmering you can sauté 3 dozen fresh prawns in oil or butter until they are pink and add them along with the cheese. Hold back three or four prawns for decoration.

Wine Time

Last year for Christmas I found an awesome groupon deal for New York Vintners and snatched it up as a gift for my wino roommate.

We signed up for a vegetarian food class where a chef prepared vegetarian meals to be paired with wine tastings. At the start of the tasting we were each given a glass of champagne and seated at long communal tables where we each had tasting cards to fill out for the wines. 

When we began I was honestly blown away by how amazing the tasting was. I was just as impressed with the chef and the food as I was with the wine and the sommelier. Each described - in great detail - what we were tasting and how to taste it best. It was honestly one of the best New York experiences I have had.

So I kept talking about going back and Gilt City put up a deal for them but it sold out too quickly! :( AND THEN I open my email this morning to see New York Vintners has another deal on livingsocial!!! $30 for $60 to spend on their courses.

So I HIGHLY recommend each and every one of you get on this - check out the deal HERE!