Vegetable stew in a jar

Vegetable Stew in a Jar – A Treasure of Flavors for Winter

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Do you remember those winter days when it was cold outside, and the house smelled of warm, comforting food? Vegetable stew is a dish that not only delights your taste buds but also warms your soul. This recipe is perfect for vegetable preserves that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Let's discover together how to prepare a delicious, vitamin-packed stew that will enchant us!

Ingredients

- 10 large onions
- 10 large carrots
- 3 kg of peppers (bell, sweet, kapia)
- 1 cup of rice (soaked in water for 2-3 hours)
- 300 ml of oil
- 1 cup of tomato puree (or to taste)
- Coarse salt (to taste)
- A few black peppercorns
- 5-6 bay leaves
- Water (1-2 cups, if needed)

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients prepared and cleaned. Peel the onions, wash them, and cut them into julienne. Peel the carrots, wash them, and grate them coarsely. Clean the peppers of seeds, wash them, and cut them into strips.

Step 1: Sautéing the Vegetables

In a large pot, add 300 ml of oil (you can use sunflower or olive oil for a more intense flavor) and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sprinkle a little salt to speed up the sautéing process. Stir occasionally and let the onion become translucent, without letting it burn, for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Adding the Carrots

Once the onion is sautéed, add the grated carrots. Continue to stir and let the vegetables sauté together for another 5 minutes, until the carrot softens slightly. This is an important step, as sautéing the vegetables helps to intensify the flavors.

Step 3: Adding the Peppers

Now it's time to add the chopped peppers. Continue to stir and let the vegetables sauté for 10-15 minutes, until the peppers become soft. You can add a little water to prevent sticking, but be careful not to add too much, as we want a thicker stew.

Step 4: Adding the Rice

At this point, add the rice that has been soaked in water. This will absorb the juices from the vegetables and add a pleasant texture to the stew. Mix well and, if the mixture is too dry, you can add 1-2 cups of water.

Step 5: Seasoning

When the mixture starts to boil, add the tomato puree (or paste), peppercorns, and bay leaves. These spices will add a special flavor to your stew. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Preparing for Canning

After the stew is ready, taste and adjust the salt to your preference. Once you have achieved the desired flavor, take the 400 g jars and fill them with hot stew. Make sure to fill them almost to the top, leaving a little room for air expansion.

Step 7: Sterilizing the Jars

In a deep tray, place the filled jars and add hot water so that it reaches halfway up the jars. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray in the oven. Let the jars sterilize for about an hour. This step is essential to ensure proper preservation and to prevent bacterial growth.

Step 8: Cooling and Storing

After 60 minutes have passed, remove the jars from the oven using gloves or a towel. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can check if the lid has sealed properly. These jars can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place until use.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

This vegetable stew is perfect as a main dish, served with a portion of fresh bread or polenta. You can accompany it with a green salad or pickles for a delicious contrast. It is also an excellent ingredient for other dishes, such as pies or soups.

Variations and Tips

If you want to add extra protein, you can include beans or lentils in the stew. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables depending on the season – zucchini, summer squash, or even mushrooms can be part of the mixture.

Nutritional Benefits

This vegetable stew is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals due to the diversity of ingredients. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, onions contain antioxidants, and rice provides complex carbohydrates. This is a low-calorie recipe, with about 150 calories per serving, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the stew.

2. How can I keep the stew longer?
Make sure the jars are properly sterilized and sealed well. Store them in a cool, dark place.

3. Can I add extra spices?
Absolutely! Herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can add an even more intense flavor to your stew.

Conclusion

Vegetable stew in a jar is a simple yet characterful recipe that will warm you on chilly winter evenings. It is an excellent way to preserve seasonal vegetables and enjoy their taste throughout the year. Try this recipe and let your imagination run wild by adding ingredients or flavors you like. Savor each portion with family and friends, creating delicious memories around the table!