Joe Booker Stew

Joe Booker stew is a traditional stew originating from New England. The stew is usually made with a combination of beef, salt pork, onions, flour, beef stock, parsley, bay leaves, savory, thyme, potatoes, carrots, salt, and pepper. The salt pork is fried in a skillet until crisp and it's removed from the pan.

The onions are sautéed in fat until tender and removed from the pan. Beef is dredged in flour and browned in fat on all sides, and it's then placed in a pot with onions, beef stock, and herbs. The dish is simmered for an hour over low heat, and the potatoes and carrots are added near the end of cooking.

Once everything is fully cooked, the stew is seasoned with salt and pepper and served with dumplings consisting of flour, baking powder, parsley, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. In the past, this stew was a favorite among Maine's loggers and ice fishermen, but Joe Booker the man still remains a mystery.