Potato Stew

To prepare a delicious vegetable dish, we will start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. We will need a medium onion, a carrot, a celery, a bell pepper, a leek, potatoes, some tomatoes in juice, salt, pepper, and optionally, some fresh herbs like parsley. This recipe is perfect for both fasting days and days when we want to add a touch of meat.

The first step is to prepare the vegetables. We chop the onion, carrot, and celery into small cubes. We heat a deep pan or pot with oil over medium heat. We add the onion, carrot, and celery and sauté them for a few minutes until they become slightly translucent and the flavors are released. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

After the vegetables have sautéed, we add the diced bell pepper and sliced leek. We continue to stir to combine the flavors. After a few minutes, we add the peeled and diced potatoes. We season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover everything with water. We cover the pot with a lid and let it boil over medium heat.

When the potatoes are almost cooked but still firm, we add the tomatoes in juice. We stir gently, being careful not to break the vegetables, and let it boil a little longer until the sauce starts to form and all the vegetables are cooked. It is essential to check the consistency of the vegetables from time to time, ensuring they are soft but not completely mushy.

After the dish is ready, we set it aside and check the taste, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. We serve the dish hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped green parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. This dish pairs perfectly with pickles on the side, offering a pleasant contrast of flavors.

For those who wish to add a hint of meat, we can accompany the dish with some sausages, fried bacon, or any other preferred meat. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to everyone's tastes. So, don't hesitate to experiment! Enjoy your meal!