Vegetable stew

Vegetable Stew - A vibrant and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the colorful and aromatic world of vegetable stew! This recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but an explosion of flavors that will delight your senses. Vegetable stew is a perfect choice for a healthy meal, rich in nutrients, and also an excellent way to use seasonal vegetables. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe that can be served as a main dish or as a side!

A Brief History

Vegetable stew is a traditional dish, appreciated in many cultures, with deep roots in home cooking. It is a recipe that has evolved over time, with each cook adding their personal touch. At the heart of this recipe is the desire to transform simple vegetables into delicious, flavorful, and colorful dishes. Moreover, vegetable stew offers a great way to connect with nature, learning to appreciate each fresh ingredient.

Ingredients

- 1 pumpkin (approximately 400 g)
- 4 medium potatoes (approximately 600 g)
- 1 handful of yellow green beans (approximately 200 g)
- 2 medium carrots (approximately 200 g)
- 1 large white onion
- 1 glass of red wine
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Sweet paprika, seasoning, white pepper, dried parsley (to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1/2 container of mascarpone (approximately 125 g)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)

Step by step: Preparing the vegetable stew

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the potatoes into cubes of about 2 cm, so they cook evenly. Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds, then cut it in the same way as the potatoes. Peel and slice the carrots thinly, and chop the garlic finely. Dice the onion so that it cooks quickly and releases its aroma.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet or deep pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat and add the onion along with the carrots. Sauté for 5-8 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots begin to soften. Then, add the chopped garlic and spices (sweet paprika, seasoning, white pepper, and dried parsley). Stir well to release the flavors.

3. Deglazing with wine: After the garlic has cooked for 1-2 minutes, add the glass of red wine. This will add a rich flavor to your stew. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the alcohol evaporates and the flavors concentrate.

4. Adding the vegetables: Now it's time to add the potatoes and pumpkin. Gently mix everything, ensuring the vegetables are coated with the onion and spice mixture.

5. Boiling: Pour water into the pot until the vegetables are covered (about 1-2 liters, depending on the pot size). Let it boil over medium heat, covered, for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are soft but not mushy. Check occasionally and add water if necessary to prevent sticking.

6. Finalizing the stew: When the water has reduced, add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and half a container of mascarpone. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Add the finely chopped fresh dill at the end to preserve its vibrant aroma. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the sauce becomes creamy.

7. Serving: The vegetable stew is ready! You can serve it hot, either as a main dish or as a side. A personal recommendation is to pair it with a slice of fresh bread or a crunchy green salad.

Useful Tips

- You can vary this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or even mushrooms, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a spicy note, you can add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes, depending on how spicy you prefer it.
- Instead of mascarpone, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- The vegetable stew keeps well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for reheating the next day when the flavors become even more intense.

Nutritional Benefits

This vegetable stew is not only delicious but also healthy. The vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The pumpkin, for example, is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, essential for eye health and the immune system. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, which offer energy, while carrots are known for their antioxidant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a great option, especially if you don't have fresh vegetables on hand. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the recipe.

2. What wine should I use?
A dry red wine is ideal for adding depth to the stew. You can opt for a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

3. Is the vegetable stew suitable for vegans?
Yes, if you replace the mascarpone with a plant-based product, the stew becomes completely vegan!

4. How can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free, but make sure that all the ingredients used do not contain gluten, especially the seasoning.

So, get ready to enjoy a delicious vegetable stew, full of color and flavor, that will transform your meal into a celebration of taste. Enjoy your meal!