There is a hint of caraway flavor in this version. If you prefer a stronger caraway flavor, increase the quantity of caraway seeds to as much as 2 tsp (10 ml).

I like to use small whole cremini mushrooms in this stew, but if you can’t find them, white mushrooms or larger cremini mushrooms, quartered or sliced, depending upon their size, work well, too.

MAKE AHEAD

This dish can be partially prepared before it is cooked. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the oil and complete Step 2. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to cook, either brown the veal as outlined in Step 1 or add it to the stoneware without browning. Stir well and continue with Steps 3 and 4.

Mindful Morsels: The nutritional analysis on this recipe was done using regular prepared chicken stock. If you are trying to reduce your sodium intake, use Homemade Chicken Stock (see recipe) or a reduced-sodium version.

Natural Wonders: RED BELL PEPPERS

Red bell peppers, also known as sweet red peppers, are low in calories (about 32 calories in one medium pepper) and are extremely nutritious. These tasty and versatile vegetables are rich in powerful antioxidants, such as betacarotene and vitamin C, which help to keep your immune system healthy, among other benefits. In fact, ounce for ounce, red peppers contain more vitamin C than oranges! Vitamin C helps our bodies fight free radical damage and may help to prevent age-related ailments such as heart disease and diabetes. Its absence in the diet causes scurvy, a disease characterized by gum disease and fatigue. During the great age of exploration and the settlement of North America, scurvy was a serious concern, affecting sailors who were at sea for long periods of time and settlers who had exhausted their winter stores of vegetables and fruits by the time spring arrived.