Vegetable stew for winter

Vegetable stew for winter: a dish full of flavor, health, and memories

In a world where the cold season invites us to gather around the table with loved ones, a well-cooked vegetable stew becomes not just a recipe, but an experience filled with taste and warmth. This vegetable stew recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but a way to preserve summer in jars, giving you the joy of fresh taste even on the coldest winter days. Let's discover together how to achieve a delicious stew, step by step.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 5-6 hours
Total time: 6-7 hours
Number of servings: 20-25 servings

Ingredients:
- 5 kg bell peppers
- 3 kg peppers
- 2 kg onions
- 2 kg carrots
- 250 g rice
- 900 ml oil
- 250 g tomato paste
- coarse salt (to taste)
- peppercorns
- bay leaves (4-5 pieces, broken into small pieces)

Preparing the vegetables: the first step to delight
The first step in making this stew is preparing the vegetables. The onion must be peeled, washed, and finely chopped – an exercise that can transform even the least enthusiastic hands into true cutting masters. The carrots, after being peeled and washed, are grated on a fine grater. This will help them integrate evenly into the stew, adding a touch of sweetness. The bell peppers and peppers are cleaned of seeds and passed through a meat grinder, obtaining a fine paste that will add flavor and consistency to the dish.

Cooking the stew: a dance of flavors
In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat up. The pot retains heat well and provides even cooking, essential for dishes that require time. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and let it soften over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the grated carrot and continue to stir, allowing it to soften as well.

Next come the chopped bell peppers and peppers. These colorful vegetables will bring a splash of joy to the pot. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. It is important not to leave the pot unattended; the vegetables need attention, and constant stirring will prevent burning. After the mixture has significantly reduced, it is time to add the rice, which has been washed and partially cooked. This will absorb the flavors and add a pleasant texture to the stew.

Finalizing the dish: flavors intertwine
After adding the rice, let the stew simmer. Now is the time to enrich the taste with tomato paste, coarse salt to taste, a few peppercorns, and broken bay leaves. These ingredients are what will transform the stew from a simple recipe into an unforgettable meal. Simmer until the rice is fully cooked and all the flavors have harmoniously blended.

Preservation: keeping the taste for winter
After finishing the cooking, turn off the stove and let the stew cool until the next day. This step is essential – the flavors will intensify and become more complex overnight. The next day, prepare the jars by washing them with hot water and letting them drain. Fill the jars with the stew, but do not fill them to the brim, leaving a little space for expansion. Seal them well, wrap them in paper, and place them in a wider pan. Cover the jars with water and sterilize for about 40 minutes. Once done, remove the jars and cover them with a thick blanket until the next day to cool gradually. Preserving vegetables in jars is an art and a science, and this stew will surely reward your efforts.

Nutritional benefits
This vegetable stew is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with a high fiber content due to the fresh vegetables. A serving of stew will provide energy and support the immune system, making it ideal for the cold season.

Frequently asked questions
What are the best vegetables for stew?
Bell peppers, peppers, and carrots are ideal, but you can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini, to diversify the flavor.

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, brown rice is a healthy option, but it will require a longer cooking time and more water.

What can I serve alongside the stew?
This stew is delicious alongside a slice of homemade bread or warm polenta. Additionally, a fresh salad will perfectly complement the meal.

Variations of the recipe
You can experiment and add other vegetables, such as eggplant or celery. Also, for a more complex flavor, try adding spices like cumin or turmeric.

In conclusion, this vegetable stew for winter is more than just a simple recipe – it is a way to bring the flavors of summer into the heart of winter, to create memories, and to provide a healthy and hearty meal. With patience and love, you will achieve a dish that will delight the taste buds of your loved ones. Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe has its story, so let your imagination work and enjoy every step of the process!