Vegetable stew with rice

Vegetable stew with rice – a traditional recipe, full of color and flavors, that transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. This stew is not only an excellent way to consume fresh vegetables but also a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to the season and individual preferences. Here’s how to prepare this delicacy step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 2.5 kg bell peppers
- 1 kg onion
- 1 kg carrots
- 1 kg celery
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 kg parsnip
- 1.5 kg tomatoes
- 500 ml oil
- 300 g rice
- Coarse salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon whole pepper
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 1 bunch of parsley leaves for garnish

Brief history of the recipe
Vegetable stew with rice is a dish found in many culinary cultures, based on seasonal ingredients. It reflects the tradition of preserving vegetables for winter, through slow cooking and the addition of rice, which gives it a thicker consistency. It is a perfect example of comfort food, rich in nutrition and flavor.

Step by step for a perfect stew

1. Preparing the vegetables:
- Start by peeling the onion. Chop it finely and sauté it in a large pot with oil over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of coarse salt to help the onion soften and become translucent.
- Meanwhile, wash the bell peppers, remove the stems and seeds, then slice them into thin strips. Add them to the pot with the onion and sauté until they release their juices and become lighter in color.

2. Grating and flavoring:
- Peel the carrots, celery, parsley, and parsnip. Grate them all using a large-holed grater. This process will intensify the flavors and help the vegetables cook evenly.
- Add the grated vegetable mixture to the pot, stirring frequently. You can add a drop of oil if necessary.

3. Tomatoes, the secret ingredient:
- Wash the tomatoes, blanch them for a few minutes to make peeling easier, then dice them. Add them over the sautéed vegetables and let simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens and the vegetables soften.

4. Preparing the rice:
- Cook the rice separately in salted water, but not completely; leaving it al dente will allow it to absorb the flavors of the stew. Once cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

5. Finalizing the stew:
- Add the cooked rice to the pot with vegetables. Season everything with salt, whole pepper, and bay leaves. Let it all simmer together, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the oil begins to surface.
- Once the stew is ready, turn off the heat and add chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

6. Preserving the stew:
- Pour the stew into pre-sterilized jars. Seal them tightly and let them "sweat" for an hour. Then, wrap them in a blanket until completely cool and store them in a cool place to enjoy during winter.

Useful tips
- Choosing vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavors. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to diversify the recipe.
- Variations: You can experiment with spices, adding cumin or sweet paprika for a more intense flavor. You can also make it a vegetarian dish by adding tofu or tempeh.
- Serving: Serve the stew warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside a green salad or warm homemade bread for a comforting lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to boil it first.
- How can I make the stew spicier? Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes, depending on your preferences.
- Can I freeze the stew? Yes, the stew freezes well, but make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Nutritional benefits
This vegetable stew with rice is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. A serving has about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used, making it a healthy choice for a main meal.

Enjoy this vegetable stew with rice, a recipe that will remind you of family meals and the comfort of home cooking. Bon appétit!