My father-in-law was reminiscing a few years ago about a family dish his mom used to make when he was a little boy. It was a stew, he recalled in great detail, with beef, beans, and root vegetables. He posed a challenge for me, wondering if I could create a vegan version for him. He remembered that his mother would cook this hearty meal on the stove over a very low flame for many long hours, sometimes even overnight. I welcomed his challenge, and started to do a little research.

It turns out this is a variation of a very old northern European dish. I took some liberties with the seasonings, and eliminated the animal products, but otherwise tried to replicate most of the traditional ingredients. After several experiments, I was ready with my answer to his challenge – a rich, hearty stew, with carrots, barley, and potatoes, seasoned with garlic, onions, and cumin. My father-in-law was really happy with this, so I’ve been making it for him ever since.

Although it seems like a lot of ingredients, the slow cooker really does the work. During these frigid months, a long cooking dish like this is delicious and comforting. And my husband ending up loving this stew so much, it’s become a new winter classic for us.

Serve this stew piping hot. Add a fresh crisp salad, steamed greens, and a loaf of warm, whole-grain bread for a simple, homey meal with lots of cozy flavors.