mealsPrep 20 min · Simmer 1 hr · Serves 5–61 hr 30 min totalapprox. 315 kcal per serving for 5 · approx. 265 kcal per serving for 6

Fall Veal Stew with Buckwheat

September 6, 2026

This is a generous, slow-cooked fall stew built from the cozy recipe that inspired me, with everything increased by one-third and made in the way it worked in my own kitchen: red onion instead of yellow, fresh thyme leaves instead of dried, and buckwheat alongside it.

The apple is entirely optional, but worth trying if you enjoy a little sweetness against savory gravy. I added it near the end so it held its shape. Next time I may let it cook a little longer, though the late addition was better for family members who did not want a very soft apple.

The recipe, step by step

PurePod used to clean buckwheat for fall veal stew
Use the PurePod to clean the buckwheat before cooking.
Fresh thyme stems for fall veal stew
Strip the fresh thyme leaves from the stems before adding them to the stew.
Fall veal stew recipe preparation
Preparing the stew for the optional apple variation.
Fall veal stew with optional apple
The finished optional apple variation.

What you'll need

  • 800 g veal stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped
  • 1⅓ tablespoons homemade seasoned butter (see my Seasoned Butter recipe)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2⅔ tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups water
  • 2⅔ veal bouillon cubes, or beef bouillon cubes as an alternative
  • 2⅔ teaspoons soy sauce
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, stripped from the stems (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
  • Arrowroot powder, whisked with a little cold water, to thicken
  • 1 celery stalk and 1 carrot, left whole for flavor and removed before thickening
  • 1 crisp apple, peeled and cut into small cubes (optional; add at the end)
  • 2 cups buckwheat, rinsed and cleaned with a PurePod before cooking

How to make it

  1. 1

    Rinse the buckwheat well. I use the PurePod to clean it, then drain it thoroughly. Cook the buckwheat separately according to the package directions so it is ready to serve with the stew.

  2. 2

    Melt the homemade seasoned butter in a wide HexClad pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the veal with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches so the pieces develop color rather than steam. Set the browned veal aside.

  3. 3

    Lower the heat to medium. Add the red onion to the pot and cook until softened, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Return the veal to the pot. Add the water, veal bouillon, soy sauce, bay leaves, fresh thyme leaves, whole celery stalk, and whole carrot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover loosely, and cook for at least 1 hour. Longer is welcome here: the veal becomes even more delicate as it cooks.

  5. 5

    Remove and discard the celery stalk, carrot, and bay leaves. Whisk the arrowroot powder with a splash of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the stew. Simmer gently for a few minutes, until lightly thickened.

  6. 6

    For the adventurous version, fold in the apple cubes during the final 5 to 8 minutes so they soften just slightly but keep some texture. For a softer apple, add them earlier; my preference is to keep them late so they do not become too soft for family members who like more bite.

  7. 7

    Taste and adjust the seasoning. Spoon the rich stew over warm buckwheat and finish with a few fresh thyme leaves if you like.

Ingredient benefits

  • Veal supplies protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, nutrients that support normal muscle function, oxygen transport, and energy metabolism as part of a varied diet.
  • Buckwheat is a naturally gluten-free whole grain-like seed that contributes fiber, plant protein, and minerals such as magnesium and manganese.
  • Carrot, celery, red onion, tomato paste, and apple bring fiber and a range of naturally occurring plant compounds. The carrot and celery are used here to build flavor, then removed before thickening.
  • Fresh thyme adds a fragrant finish and naturally occurring antioxidant compounds. Dried thyme works as a practical pantry alternative.
  • Arrowroot powder gives the stew a silky, lightly thickened finish, while serving it with buckwheat and vegetables keeps the bowl satisfying and balanced.

The homemade seasoned butter is a simple flavor-building step for this stew, adding a little extra richness from the start.

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