Vegetable stew

Vegetable stew is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal or to delight guests. This simple recipe combines pork with a variety of vegetables, offering an explosion of flavors and textures. It is an excellent choice for a relaxing weekend in the kitchen or for a quick lunch during the week.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 700 g pork (preferably tenderloin or boneless shoulder)
- 3 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 peeled tomatoes (or 400 g canned tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cut the pork into uniform cubes, about 3-4 cm, to ensure even cooking. Place the meat in a bowl and season with salt and pepper, mixing well.

2. Brown the meat: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and brown them on both sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden. This step is essential as it will add a deep flavor to your stew.

3. Add the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, remove it to a plate. In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes, then add the diced carrot, followed by the red and yellow bell peppers. Continue cooking the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft.

4. Incorporate the tomatoes: Add the peeled tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pot, mixing well. If using fresh tomatoes, you can also add a little water if necessary to achieve a thicker sauce. Bring everything to a boil.

5. Cook the stew: Return the meat to the pot and stir to combine all the ingredients. Try adding a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 40-50 minutes. Check periodically if more water is needed, stirring occasionally.

6. Finalize the dish: Once the stew is nearly done, crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pot along with the chopped parsley. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Serving: The vegetable stew can be served with polenta, fresh bread, or even pasta. A delicious option is to garnish it with a few fresh parsley leaves for a vibrant look.

Variation suggestion: If you like a spicier taste, you can add a sliced chili pepper or a sprinkle of paprika. You can also substitute the pork with beef or chicken to diversify the recipe.

This vegetable stew is not only a quick dish for a hearty meal, but it is also a simple recipe that can be customized to your preferences. Enjoy every bite!