Bean salad

Bean stew - a delicious and flavorful recipe, perfect for winter! This dish is ideal as an appetizer or served alongside a slice of fresh bread. Preparing the bean stew is a pleasant activity that brings family and friends together around the table. Additionally, it is a simple and quick recipe that can be adapted according to everyone's preferences.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 3-3.5 hours
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
- 1.3 kg green beans (preferably fresh, but frozen can also be used)
- 1 kg onion
- 1 kg bell peppers (make sure they are well ripened)
- 3-4 carrots
- 2-3 bunches of greens (parsley and dill)
- 1 kg tomatoes (fresh or canned can be used)
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- bay leaves to taste
- 250 ml oil (sunflower oil is a good choice)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables well. Cut the green beans into pieces about 2-3 cm long. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and carrots finely. The tomatoes can be peeled and diced. Finely chop the greens to add extra flavor to your stew.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential to develop the base flavor of the stew.

3. Add the vegetables: Once the onion is ready, add a layer of chopped bell peppers and carrots. Sauté them for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the green beans. Mix all the ingredients well.

4. Add the tomatoes: Once the beans have softened slightly, add the diced tomatoes. They will contribute to the stew's consistency and provide a fresh taste.

5. Season: Add salt, pepper, and bay leaves to taste. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat, covered, for about 1-2 hours. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Finalizing the stew: When the vegetables are well cooked and the stew has a homogeneous consistency, remove the bay leaves and add the chopped greens. Mix well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.

7. Serving: The bean stew can be served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread. It is also delicious cold, as an appetizer. You can preserve it in sterilized jars to enjoy its taste throughout the winter.

Variation suggestion: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to personalize your recipe. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of greens or even a bit of hot pepper for a spicier taste.

This bean stew will not only bring a splash of color to your table but will also be a healthy delight, full of vitamins and flavors. Try it and enjoy its unique taste!