Vegetable stew

Vegetable Stew - An explosion of flavors and colors on the plate

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Vegetable stew is a comforting dish, full of flavor and perfect for days when we want something healthy and tasty. This simple yet versatile recipe can be adapted and customized based on the available vegetables. Cooking the stew not only combines fresh ingredients but also brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of family meals when garden vegetables were the stars of seasonal dishes.

Necessary ingredients

- 4-6 fresh mushrooms (preferably champignon)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 sprig of fresh parsley
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 carrots
- 1 zucchini
- 4 medium potatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- optional: a few slices of smoked bacon for a smoky flavor

Ingredient details

Mushrooms bring a pleasant texture and a natural umami flavor, while bell peppers and carrots add a sweet note. Potatoes are essential for providing consistency, and zucchini adds a special freshness, especially when added towards the end of cooking. Olive oil is ideal for sautéing the vegetables, and tomato paste intensifies the flavors, giving the stew a vibrant appearance.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by cleaning the mushrooms of their outer membrane. Slice them thinly, including the stems. Peel the onion and chop it finely, and wash the bell peppers well and cut them into cubes. This step is essential to ensure even cooking of the vegetables.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pan, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the bell peppers and mushrooms, allowing them to sauté together for about 5-7 minutes. This process will intensify the flavors.

3. Preparing the root vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. Cut the carrots into rounds and the potatoes into medium-sized cubes. The garlic, which adds an unmistakable aroma, should be minced.

4. Combining the ingredients: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the carrots, potatoes, and garlic to the pan. Mix well to combine the flavors. Then add salt, pepper, and sweet paprika for an extra flavor boost. These spices not only enhance the taste but also bring a pleasant color to the dish.

5. Baking: Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Add enough water to cover the ingredients (about 300 ml). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for 30 minutes.

6. Adding zucchini and tomato paste: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and add the diced zucchini, as well as the tomato paste. Mix everything well and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes, uncovered, to allow the stew to thicken and caramelize slightly.

7. Finalizing the dish: If you want a smoky flavor, you can add slices of smoked bacon before putting the stew in the oven. These will add a distinct taste and aroma.

Serving

The vegetable stew is served warm, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. You can accompany this dish with a slice of fresh bread or polenta, and for a complete meal, a refreshing green salad would be ideal.

Nutritional benefits

This stew is a healthy choice, full of vitamins and minerals. The vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants, and olive oil provides healthy fats that support cardiovascular health. Each serving is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and provides a feeling of fullness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

2. How can I customize the recipe?
You can add other vegetables such as pumpkin, eggplant, or peas. You can also replace the tomato paste with tomato sauce or add herbs like basil or oregano.

3. What is the best way to store the stew?
The stew keeps very well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.

A personal detail

I fondly remember the days when my mom made vegetable stew, and its wonderful smell filled the whole house. My brother and I always had a competition to see who could eat faster, but the real competition was who could catch the most potato cubes! This recipe is not just a meal but a precious memory I can share with my loved ones.

So, with a little patience and love, you can prepare this vegetable stew that will not only nourish the body but also bring joy to the soul. Enjoy your meal!