potato stew - vegan

Potato Stew for Lent: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

In a world where gastronomy intertwines with tradition, potato stew is a recipe that evokes memories of home and warm moments around the table. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for fasting days, rich in flavors and nutrients. Let’s discover together how to prepare a potato stew that will delight your taste buds!

Necessary Ingredients:

- 1 kg potatoes (choose floury potatoes for a better texture)
- 2 red onions (for a sweet flavor)
- 1 carrot (for a hint of natural sweetness)
- 4 garlic cloves (to enhance the flavors)
- 2 tomatoes (fresh, for juiciness)
- 1 bell pepper (for an extra burst of flavor)
- 1 dried red chili (if you want a touch of spice)
- 1 teaspoon pepper paste (for a more complex taste)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (for a vibrant color)
- 100 ml oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cumin (for an aromatic accent)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for freshness)
- 1 bunch of fresh thyme (for a Mediterranean flavor)
- Green onion tops (for garnish)

Practical Tips for Ingredients:

1. Potatoes: Choose "Russet" or "Yukon Gold" potatoes, which cook well and become fluffy.
2. Onion: Red onion adds a sweet flavor and beautiful color to the stew. If unavailable, white onion will also work.
3. Carrot: Ensure the carrot is fresh, and the textures will blend perfectly.
4. Tomatoes: Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes for the best flavor.
5. Chili: Adjust the amount of chili according to personal preference.

Preparation Technique:

1. Cleaning and chopping the vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Chop the onion and carrot into small cubes, the bell pepper into strips, and the tomatoes into cubes. Mince the garlic.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and bell pepper, continuing to sauté for another 2 minutes.

3. Adding spices: Now is the time to add the pepper paste, paprika, and chili. Mix well so that the spices integrate perfectly.

4. Adding the potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, mixing them with the other vegetables. Sprinkle salt and cumin, then add water until the potatoes are covered.

5. Boiling: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and fluffy. Check occasionally, adding water if necessary.

6. Finishing: Once the potatoes are well cooked, add the fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, green onion tops) and stir gently. Let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.

Possible Variations:

- Add peas or green beans for a splash of color and nutrients.
- You can also include other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to diversify the recipe.
- For an even more intense flavor, try adding some green or black olives.

Serving Suggestions:

This potato stew pairs perfectly with a fresh summer salad or a side of pickles. You can also serve it alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta for a comforting lunch.

Nutritional Information:

A serving of potato stew for Lent has about 220 calories, making it a healthy and filling choice. It is rich in fiber due to the vegetables, and cumin adds an important digestive benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I add meat to the stew? Of course, if you are not following a fasting diet, you can add chicken or pork. Cook the meat before adding the vegetables.

- Does the stew keep well? Yes, potato stew is delicious the next day. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option; they will cook faster, but make sure to add them at the beginning of cooking.

Potato stew for Lent is not only a simple and quick recipe but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together at the table. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by the rich and comforting flavors!