Lenten food - mushroom stew

Mushroom Stew - A Healthy and Flavorful Delicacy

How much we enjoy when we can savor a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal! Mushroom stew is the perfect recipe for those days when we crave something tasty yet friendly to our diet. This vegan dish is not only a superb choice for those following certain dietary restrictions but also a flavorful and nutrient-rich option for the whole family.

The history of this recipe takes us back to rich culinary traditions, where mushrooms were valued for their texture and taste, becoming a staple ingredient in many dishes. Whether you choose to prepare it for a family meal or as a main course on a special evening, mushroom stew will always be an excellent choice.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh mushrooms (choose champignon or pleurotus for a unique flavor)
- 4 medium onions
- A small head of garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 250 ml tomato juice (opt for freshly squeezed or quality canned)
- A cup of water
- 4-5 tablespoons olive or sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (for a touch of warmth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A bunch of fresh dill, chopped (for an aromatic finish)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling and washing the onion and garlic. Chop the onion into small cubes and slice the garlic thinly. These will add wonderful flavor to your stew.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large skillet or pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. This step is essential for developing the base flavors of the dish.

3. Add the bell pepper and mushrooms: Chop the bell pepper into cubes and add it to the pot along with the cleaned and sliced mushrooms. Mix everything well, then cover the pot and let it simmer in its own juices for 10 minutes. This time will allow the mushrooms to release their natural juice, adding depth to the dish.

4. Add the liquid ingredients: Once the mushrooms and bell pepper have softened, add the tomato juice, a cup of water, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors. It’s important to adjust the seasoning to your taste; don’t hesitate to add more salt or pepper if you feel it’s necessary.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the oven. Let the stew bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened. This step adds a caramelized flavor to the ingredients.

6. Add the dill: Once the stew is ready, take it out of the oven and add the chopped fresh dill. This will provide a fresh aromatic contrast and perfectly complete the dish.

Serving: Mushroom stew is delicious served alongside warm polenta. Polenta is a traditional accompaniment that, besides being filling, will absorb the rich sauce of the stew, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Useful tips:
- If you want an even richer stew, you can add diced carrots or zucchini.
- Substitute the tomato juice with fresh chopped tomatoes for a more vibrant taste.
- For a spicier flavor, add a bit of dried or fresh chili pepper.
- Be careful not to overcook the mushrooms before adding them to the other ingredients to avoid losing texture.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 150 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned mushrooms? While it’s preferable to use fresh mushrooms for better texture, you can use canned mushrooms if necessary. Make sure to drain them well before use.
- How can I store the stew for later consumption? You can keep the mushroom stew in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Mushroom stew is a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that can be adapted to your preferences. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or a simple dinner during the week, it will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes it. Enjoy your meal!