Grandma's Potato Stew

Grandma's Potato Stew

Total preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Potato stew is one of those recipes that awakens warm and loving memories. Its unmistakable aroma reminds us of hearty meals at grandma's house, where time seemed to stand still and every bite brought happiness. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor, with each ingredient playing an essential role in achieving the authentic taste.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 yellow onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper or kapia
- 3 tomatoes
- 1500 g red potatoes from Covasna
- 500 g smoked pork sausages
- 50 ml sunflower oil
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh dill, for decoration

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. You might have memories of your grandmother spending time in the kitchen, carefully cutting the vegetables. So, as you chop, remember to enjoy every moment. The onion will add a flavorful base to our dish, so make sure to chop it evenly.

Step 2: Sautéing the onion

In a large skillet, add the sunflower oil and a little water. Add the chopped onion and let it sauté over low heat, stirring occasionally. The secret to sautéing is to let the onion become translucent without burning it, so you achieve a sweet aroma.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables

Meanwhile, peel the carrot, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Cut the carrot and bell pepper into small cubes, and finely chop the tomatoes. Add these vegetables to the skillet over the onion and let them soften for about 5-7 minutes. These vegetables will bring natural sweetness to the stew.

Step 4: The sausages

Slice the smoked pork sausages into thin, bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet and let them brown slightly, stirring to combine the flavors. The sausages add a special flavor, but you can also use other types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, if you prefer.

Step 5: The potatoes

Peel the red potatoes from Covasna and cut them into cubes. This type of potato offers a fine texture and delicious flavor. After cutting the potatoes, add them to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the vegetables and sausages.

Step 6: The spices

Season the stew with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and a bay leaf. These spices are essential for giving your dish an authentic taste. You can also experiment with other herbs, such as oregano or basil, depending on your preferences.

Step 7: Final cooking

Add cold water, enough to cover the potatoes, and let the stew simmer over medium heat, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. When the potatoes are tender, the stew is ready.

Step 8: Serving

The potato stew is served hot, ideally with a seasonal salad on the side, which brings a fresh contrast. You can also add a slice of fresh bread to savor every drop of the aromatic sauce.

Useful tips:

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the vegetable mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, add hot peppers or spicy seasonings to taste.
- You can experiment with different types of sausages, such as beef or lamb, for a different flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

This stew is rich in nutrients due to the fresh vegetables and potatoes. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing you with energy, while the vegetables bring essential vitamins and minerals. The sausages provide protein, but you can opt for leaner varieties to reduce fat intake.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can add zucchini or peas to diversify the recipe.

2. Can the stew be prepared in advance?
Yes, the stew keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated without problems.

3. What other dishes can it be combined with?
It pairs wonderfully with a cabbage salad or pickles, which add an acidic contrast.

So, don't hesitate to let your memories guide you and prepare this potato stew like grandma's. Each serving will be a tribute to loved ones and a delight you will enjoy with pleasure. Enjoy your meal!