Pisto

Pisto: A Flavorful Vegetable Feast

Pisto is a traditional recipe, a true celebration of vegetables, that captures the essence of nature in a colorful and tasty dish. This meal is not only nourishing but also extremely versatile, being served as a main course or as a side dish. Perfect for warm summer days or for anyone looking for a light and healthy meal, pisto blends the flavors of fresh vegetables, bringing unforgettable tastes to life. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delight!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 eggplant (approximately 300 g)
- 1 red bell pepper (approximately 150 g)
- 2 green bell peppers (approximately 200 g)
- 2 medium onions (approximately 150 g)
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 2 zucchini (approximately 300 g)
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tablespoons of tomato paste (approximately 120 g)
- Salt, to taste

For a personal touch and added flavor, you can also add herbs like oregano or basil, or even chili flakes for a hint of spice.

Preparing the vegetables:
1. Wash all the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities or pesticides that may be present.
2. Cut the onion into 1 cm cubes for even cooking. The garlic can be halved to release its aroma.
3. Cut the red and green bell peppers into 1 cm cubes as well. Uniform sizes help with even cooking and a pleasing appearance of the dish.
4. The eggplant and zucchini should also be cut into cubes. If you enjoy the texture of eggplant skin, you can leave it on; otherwise, you can peel it.

Cooking:
1. Place a pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Wait a moment until it heats up, but do not let it reach the smoking point.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring gently. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to help the onion soften and become translucent. This process takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Introduce the red and green bell peppers into the pot. Stir again, adding another pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Now is the time to add the eggplant. Stir well and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes to soften slightly.
5. Add the chopped zucchini and, if necessary, another small portion of salt. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time. Cover the pot with a lid to help the flavors meld together.
6. Let the vegetables simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finalizing the dish:
1. At the end, add the 6 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir gently, being careful not to turn the vegetables into a puree. We want each vegetable cube to maintain its shape!
2. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Serving:
Pisto can be served warm or at room temperature. A delicious suggestion is to top it with a fried egg, adding a touch of creaminess. It is also a perfect dish for fasting, which can be enjoyed alongside fresh bread or a seasonal salad.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a more intense flavor, you can also include some olives or capers during cooking.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or squash, to create a personalized version of your pisto.
- Pisto is even tastier the next day when the flavors have melded, so don’t hesitate to prepare it in advance!

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the variety of vegetables used. Eggplant and zucchini are excellent sources of fiber, while red and green bell peppers are packed with vitamin C. Olive oil brings healthy fats, beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but the taste will be slightly different. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
2. What can I do with leftovers?
Pisto can easily be transformed into a soup. Add water or vegetable broth and blend everything to create a thick and delicious cream.

Pisto is more than just a recipe; it is a way to appreciate the abundance of vegetables and their power to nourish our body and soul. Enjoy your meal!