Vegetable stew with rice (for winter)

Vegetable stew with rice for winter: a healthy and comforting delight

Dear ones, if you haven't started preparing your winter preserves yet, I bring you a wonderful recipe for vegetable stew with rice, passed down from generation to generation, straight from my mother. This recipe is not only simple, but also full of flavors and colors, turning each jar into a true feast on cold winter days.

What makes this stew special is the combination of fresh vegetables, the flavors that intertwine harmoniously, and the fact that it is an excellent way to preserve garden vegetables. Moreover, it is a versatile dish that you can adapt according to your preferences. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 650 g onion
- 600 g carrot
- 3.5 kg bell peppers and sweet peppers
- 1.25 kg tomatoes
- 500 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil for a more neutral taste)
- 400 g rice (preferably long-grain rice that retains its texture)
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)

Preparing the vegetable stew with rice

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing and peeling the vegetables: peppers, onion, carrots, and tomatoes. I recommend using fresh, seasonal vegetables for a more intense flavor. A careful cleaning of the vegetables will ensure a pleasant and uniform texture of the stew.

Step 2: Chopping the vegetables
Use a food processor to chop the onion, carrot, and peppers. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can chop the vegetables by hand. In this case, make sure to cut them into evenly sized cubes so that they cook uniformly.

Step 3: Heating the oil
In a non-stick pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the chopped onion along with the spices (salt, pepper, and bay leaves). Stir occasionally, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Cooking the vegetables
After a few minutes, add the chopped carrot and stir. 15 minutes after adding the carrot, add the peppers to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and let everything simmer over medium heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Adding the tomatoes
After two hours, add the chopped tomatoes. Cook everything together for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and release their juice, enriching the stew with a delicious and juicy flavor.

Step 6: The rice
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the separately boiled rice (boiled in 4 cups of water for 10-15 minutes). Gently stir to incorporate the rice into the stew. It is ready when the oil rises to the surface, signaling that all the flavors have combined perfectly.

Step 7: Sterilizing the jars
Prepare the sterilized jars by filling them with the hot stew. Seal them tightly and turn them upside down to create a vacuum. Cover them with a blanket to cool gradually. This preservation process will ensure that the stew retains its flavor and nutritional qualities.

Useful tips:
1. If you want a spicier stew, add a bit of chopped hot pepper during cooking.
2. You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, depending on the season.
3. The rice can be replaced with quinoa or bulgur for a healthier option.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This vegetable stew with rice is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, helping to strengthen the immune system.

Serving and combinations:
Vegetable stew with rice can be served as is, but you can accompany it with a fresh green salad or a slice of whole-grain bread. Additionally, a bottle of white wine or herbal tea can perfectly complement this comforting meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but the texture will be different, and the taste less intense.
- What is the shelf life of the jars? Once opened, it is recommended to consume within 3-4 days, stored in the refrigerator.
- Can I add meat? Absolutely! You can add pieces of chicken or beef, cooking them together with the vegetables at the beginning.

This vegetable stew with rice recipe is perfect for bringing the warmth and comfort of winter into your home. Cook it with love and enjoy the aromatic flavors of seasonal vegetables!