Tomato stew with peppers

Tomato and Pepper Stew: A Colorful and Flavorful Summer Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love the fresh aroma of vegetables cooked with love? The tomato and pepper stew is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of peppers with the acidity of tomatoes, creating a delicious and healthy dish. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days when vegetables are in full season and bursting with flavor. Let’s discover together how we can bring this wonderful dish to our table!

Your basic ingredients

- 1 kg peppers (red, green, or a mix)
- 1 kg tomatoes (fresh or canned, but fresh are best)
- 2 medium onions
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- a bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)

Practical tip: Choose peppers that have a firm texture and vibrant color. They will add not only flavor but also beauty to the dish. The tomatoes should be ripe, with an intense aroma, preferably from the garden or market.

Step by step: how to prepare the tomato and pepper stew

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by roasting the peppers over the stove flame. This process will give them a smoky flavor and a more delicate texture. Constantly rotating is essential for even roasting. Once the skin turns black and starts to peel, the peppers are ready. Transfer them to a pot with a lid and sprinkle salt over them. By covering them, you will help them steam and cool down.

2. Cleaning and cutting: Once cooled, peel the peppers, remove the seeds, and cut them into strips or slices, as preferred. This step is important, as the cleaned peppers will bring a more pleasant texture to the stew.

3. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes golden and translucent. This is when the flavors intensify, and the dish starts to come to life.

4. Adding the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into cubes and add them to the onion. Stir and let simmer over medium heat for 5-8 minutes. The tomatoes will release their juice, creating a flavorful sauce.

5. Incorporating the peppers: Add the pepper slices to the skillet and mix well. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 15-20 minutes. This is when the flavors meld perfectly.

6. Finishing the dish: When the stew is almost ready, add the finely chopped parsley. This will add freshness and a pop of color to the dish.

Variations and additional tips

- Vary the flavors: You can add minced garlic or chili pepper for an extra kick. If you want to experiment, add a bit of dried oregano or basil for a Mediterranean touch.
- Transform the dish: If you want a heartier meal, you can add cooked beans or lentils. This will turn the stew into a delicious and healthy main dish.
- Serving: The tomato and pepper stew is perfect served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or a steaming polenta. It’s also an excellent choice as a side dish for grilling.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This stew is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving contains approximately 150-200 calories and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, while peppers provide a significant amount of vitamin A. This is a vegan recipe, rich in antioxidants, beneficial for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
- Although fresh vegetables are ideal for the best flavors, you can use frozen vegetables if others are unavailable. Just make sure they are of good quality.

2. How can I store the dish?
- The stew keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

3. What drinks pair well with this recipe?
- A dry white wine or a freshly squeezed lemonade with mint are excellent choices to accompany the tomato and pepper stew.

The tomato and pepper stew is not just a simple recipe, but a true celebration of seasonal vegetables and cooking with love. Preparing this dish will fill you with satisfaction and bring joy to your lunch or dinner table. So, gather your ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the delicious aromas of this dish!