Spicy Vegetable Stew

Spicy Vegetable Stew: An Explosion of Flavors and Colors

Preparing a spicy vegetable stew is a true culinary art that combines fresh and healthy ingredients into a simple yet exceptionally tasty recipe. This dish is perfect for hot summer days but can be enjoyed anytime, bringing a splash of freshness to your plate. Without rice but full of vegetables, the stew is an excellent choice for those who want to indulge in a delicious and healthy meal.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Essential Ingredients

- 5 onions
- 5 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes
- 1-2 chili peppers (or to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Vegeta (optional, for extra flavor)

A Brief History of the Stew

The vegetable stew is a dish that has accompanied meals of people from various corners of the world, becoming a symbol of the warm season and the bountiful harvest. Whether cooked on a stove or over a wood fire, the stew brings together vegetables in the most vibrant colors, transforming a simple combination of ingredients into a memorable culinary experience. Today, I will share my recipe for spicy vegetable stew, a flavorful and aromatic variant.

Step by Step for a Perfect Stew

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion. Wash it well and chop it finely. Choose fresh, preferably seasonal onions for a more intense flavor.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet or pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion over low heat. Stir occasionally. It is important not to raise the temperature too much, as we want to achieve soft, not fried, onions. Let it cook on low heat for about 30 minutes.

3. Adding the peppers: In the meantime, clean the bell peppers and chop them finely. You can use a combination of red, green, and yellow peppers for a vibrant color palette. When the onion is well sautéed, add the peppers and the chopped chili (depending on how spicy you want the dish to be). Mix well and let everything sauté for another 10-15 minutes until the peppers soften.

4. Tomatoes: Peel the tomatoes (you can blanch them briefly to remove the skin more easily) and dice them. Add the tomatoes to the skillet, mixing well. The tomatoes will add juiciness to the stew and a fresh taste.

5. Seasoning: When the vegetables are almost done, add salt, pepper, and Vegeta to taste. Here you can also use other favorite spices, such as thyme or basil, to further customize the flavor of the stew.

6. Serving: Once the vegetables are cooked, you can serve them hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or even with a green salad. The spicy vegetable stew is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed both as a main dish and as a side.

Practical Tips

- Choose seasonal vegetables: Using fresh, seasonal vegetables will make your stew much tastier and richer in nutrients.
- Customize the recipe: If you want to add extra protein, you can include cooked chickpeas or beans. These integrate perfectly into the stew and turn it into a complete dish.
- Vary the spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to create a unique note in the dish.
- Store the stew: This dish keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it in advance and reheat it the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I substitute the oil? Yes, you can use butter or coconut oil for a different taste.
- What vegetables can I add? Carrots, zucchini, or eggplants are excellent for enriching this stew.
- How can I make the stew less spicy? Reduce the amount of chili or use sweet paprika instead of hot.

Delicious Combinations

The spicy vegetable stew pairs wonderfully with a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or ginger lemonade. Additionally, a raw vegetable salad or a simple green salad will balance the intense flavors of the stew.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This spicy vegetable stew is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the oil used. It is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

In conclusion, the spicy vegetable stew is a simple, tasty, and versatile recipe that you can adapt to your tastes. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!