Vegetable Stew

The vegetables are carefully washed under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities or pesticides, then they are carefully peeled, preparing them to be transformed into a delicious stew. Carrots, root parsley, and root celery are grated using a large-holed grater, ensuring a uniform texture that will add body to the dish. The onion, peppers, and bell peppers are chopped into small cubes to integrate perfectly into the mixture. The tomatoes, first blanched for easier peeling, are also diced, bringing a fresh taste and vibrant color.

In a double-bottomed pot, about 1 liter of oil is poured, which will be heated over medium heat. Once the oil becomes warm, the onion, pepper, and bell peppers are added, allowing them to sauté until they become translucent and release their aromas. Then, the grated vegetables are added, which will add natural sweetness and a pleasant texture to the stew. After a few minutes of sautéing, two liters of water are added, and the mixture is left to simmer slowly, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.

When the vegetables are almost cooked, the washed rice is added, which will absorb all the flavors from the pot. It is left to boil until the rice becomes soft, but not overcooked, to maintain its shape. Once the rice is ready, the diced tomatoes and tomato paste are added, which will enrich the sauce's flavor and give a vibrant hue to the stew. It is seasoned with salt to taste and a few peppercorns are added for extra flavor.

To finish the dish, finely chopped fresh herbs are integrated into the mixture in the pot, giving it an inviting aroma and unmistakable freshness. It is left to boil for a few moments so that all the ingredients blend harmoniously. After the stew is ready, sterilized jars are prepared, which must be clean and dry. Each jar is filled with hot stew, sealed well, and then placed in a steam sterilizer for about 40 minutes. After sterilization, the jars are left to cool in the place where they were cooked, after which they are taken out, wiped with a clean cloth, and labeled with the preparation date. Thus, enjoy a delicious vegetable stew, full of vitamins and flavor, throughout the year!