Stew with smoked meat

Smoked meat stew – a rustic delight that combines the intense flavors of meat with the freshness of vegetables. This simple and satisfying recipe is perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. Here’s how to prepare a delicious smoked meat stew, step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of potatoes (a mix of white and red potatoes for a pleasing appearance)
- 2 green bell peppers
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 2 onions
- 500 g of smoked ham (pork shoulder)
- 50 ml of oil (sunflower or olive)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Fresh lovage (for decoration and flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Cut the onion into small cubes, the bell peppers into strips, and the carrot into thin rounds. The peeled potatoes should be cut into uniform-sized cubes to cook evenly. This step is crucial as uniformly cut vegetables will cook at the same time.

2. Preparing the meat: Wash the smoked ham well and cut it into medium-sized pieces. The smoked meat will add a rich and savory flavor to the stew, so make sure to choose quality meat.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and let it sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the carrot and bell peppers, letting them sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft. This step allows the vegetables to release their flavors and create a delicious base for the stew.

4. Adding the meat: Add the pieces of smoked ham to the pot. Sauté them for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly brown them and intensify their flavor.

5. Cooking the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Mix everything well and let the ingredients combine. For added flavor, add the tomato paste, mixing well to incorporate.

6. Boiling the stew: Add enough water to cover all the ingredients (about 1 liter). Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

7. Finishing the dish: Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings, adding salt and pepper to preference. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh lovage for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

8. Serving: Serve the stew hot, either with a slice of fresh bread or with a side of polenta. An original idea for added flavor is to add a few slices of fresh chili pepper for a spicy kick.

Practical tips:
- You can replace the smoked ham with sausages or bacon to vary the flavor.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or peas to enrich the dish.
- If you prefer a tangier taste, you can add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar during cooking.

This smoked meat stew will not only satisfy your taste buds but will also bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your meals. Enjoy every serving and savor the authentic flavors of traditional cuisine!