Winter stew

Winter Stew

If you are looking for a traditional recipe, full of colors and flavors, that will remind you of warm summer days even in the coldest winter days, you have come to the right place! The winter stew is a dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with the magic of preserves, providing you with a hearty and healthy meal. Moreover, it is an ideal recipe to make the most of seasonal vegetables and enjoy them even later.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:
- 500 ml oil
- 3-4 carrots
- 2-3 onions
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- 2 zucchinis
- 2 eggplants
- 1 celery
- 1 kg of tomatoes (preferably smaller ones)
- 300 g green beans
- 300 g okra
- 1-2 hot peppers (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of Vegeta
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 2 bell peppers (red and green)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 cup of white wine
- 1 cup of water

Preparation:

1. Preparing the okra: Start by washing the okra and trimming the stems. Then, blanch them for 3-4 minutes in a bowl with borscht (or water, if you prefer). This process will help them maintain their crunchy texture. After blanching, place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Clean and wash all the other vegetables. Cut the carrots, celery, zucchinis, and eggplants into rounds or cubes, depending on your preference. You can quarter the tomatoes. If you choose to use hot peppers, slice them thinly.

3. Arranging in the baking dish: In a large baking dish, add the oil and layer the vegetables. Start with a layer of tomatoes, then add carrots, celery, zucchinis, eggplants, green beans, okra, bell peppers, and, if desired, hot peppers. It is important to ensure that all vegetables are evenly distributed.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Vegeta, salt, sugar, thyme, and rosemary over the vegetables. The latter will add a delicious aroma to the dish.

5. Adding liquids: Dissolve the tomato paste in water and pour it over the vegetables, adding a cup of white wine as well. This ingredient will add a delicate flavor and contribute to the seasoning of the stew.

6. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven, set on low heat, for 2 hours. This slow process will allow the vegetables to cook evenly, releasing their flavors.

7. Finishing: After 2 hours, remove the foil and gently stir the ingredients in the dish. Taste to check if more salt or other seasonings are needed. If everything is fine, leave the stew in the oven for another 30 minutes, uncovered, to brown slightly on top.

8. Preserving: Once the stew is ready, pour it into sterilized jars. Make sure to screw the lids tightly and boil them in water for 10-15 minutes to ensure proper preservation.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best results. You can vary the ingredients according to your preferences or what you have on hand.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include some olives or mushrooms.
- The stew can be served hot as a main dish or as a side for various meat dishes. It also pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or a green salad.

Nutritional benefits:
The stew is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals due to the variety of vegetables used. It is rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and contains essential antioxidants for the health of the body.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be successfully used, but the texture may be slightly different.

2. What can I do with leftover stew?
You can use the leftover stew as a filling for a pie or add it to soups or stews for extra flavor.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is completely vegan and healthy.

4. Can I sweeten the stew?
Yes, sugar is an ingredient that helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.

Pair the stew with a refreshing drink, such as tomato juice or a dry white wine, and enjoy a delicious meal that will remind you of moments spent in nature, under the sun.

Whether you choose to enjoy it immediately or preserve it for the cold winter days, your winter stew will surely be a dish appreciated by all your loved ones!