Vegetable stew with chicken breast

Vegetable Stew with Chicken Breast – A Delicious Recipe for Hot Days

When the sun shines brightly outside and the heat becomes unbearable, we shouldn't give up the joy of cooking. Vegetable stew with chicken breast is a simple, quick, and extremely tasty recipe, perfect for cooling off during the summer. With a mix of fresh vegetables and juicy chicken breast, this stew is not only nutritious but also full of flavors that will delight your senses.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g chicken breast, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 eggplant, diced
- 1/2 zucchini, diced
- 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup broth
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- Spices to taste (basil, thyme, rosemary, pepper)
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the vegetables under cold running water. Peel the carrots and onion, then cut all the vegetables according to your preferences. You can choose strips, cubes, or rounds, depending on the desired texture.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Follow with the carrots, bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until they soften slightly.

3. Adding the chicken breast: Add the diced chicken breast over the sautéed vegetables. Mix well so that the meat combines with the flavors of the vegetables. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken changes color.

4. Boiling the stew: Pour a cup of water over the mixture in the skillet. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally, stirring, to ensure it doesn’t stick.

5. Finishing the dish: When the water has reduced and the sauce has thickened, add the broth, chopped garlic, and spices (basil, thyme, rosemary, pepper). Taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Let everything come to a boil for another 5 minutes.

6. Serving: Turn off the heat and add the freshly chopped parsley for an extra flavor boost. This stew pairs wonderfully with pickles or homemade yogurt, adding a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips:

- Choose seasonal vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to get the best flavors. You can experiment with other vegetables like pumpkin or spinach to vary the recipe.
- Customize the spices: If you like a spicier taste, you can add a bit of chili or paprika. Spices can completely transform the dish, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Cook in advance: This stew keeps excellently in the fridge, and the taste becomes even more intense the next day. You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it.
- Enrich with proteins: If you want an extra protein boost, you can add chickpeas or lentils to the stew.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of vegetable stew with chicken breast contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the vegetables added. This is a balanced meal, rich in proteins and vitamins, providing a significant amount of fiber from the vegetables, essential for digestion. Additionally, chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use pork or beef instead of chicken? Yes, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure the meat is well cooked.
- Can I make the stew vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the chicken breast and replace water with vegetable broth to maintain the rich flavors.
- How can I store the stew for longer? You can keep it in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Delicious combinations:

This stew pairs perfectly with a fresh summer salad or homemade bread. You can also enjoy a glass of white wine or homemade yogurt, which complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.

In conclusion, vegetable stew with chicken breast is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe, ideal for warm summer days. I invite you to try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!