Roasted Pepper Stew

The vibrant colors of autumn invite us to enjoy seasonal vegetables, and the roasted pepper stew recipe is perfect for celebrating the richness of this season. This simple yet flavorful dish is vegetarian and brings a touch of warmth to chilly days. Whether you want to savor it as a main course or as a side dish alongside a roast, this stew will quickly become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg bell peppers (or other types of peppers, if you prefer)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Brief history:
Vegetable stews like this one have a long-standing tradition in many cultures' cuisines, serving as an excellent way to utilize seasonal vegetables. Roasted peppers not only add a sweet and smoky flavor but also a pleasant texture, turning a simple dish into a delicacy. This recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing together the flavors and colors of autumn.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by roasting the peppers. You can use a stovetop or an oven. If you choose the stovetop, place the peppers over direct flame, turning them occasionally until the skin becomes blackened and blistered. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 200°C and place the peppers on a baking tray. Roast for about 30 minutes or until the skin is browned. After removing them, place them in a bowl and cover with a lid or aluminum foil for 15-20 minutes; this step will help them peel more easily.

2. Peeling the peppers: Once they have cooled slightly, peel the peppers, remove the stems and seeds. Cut them into strips or cubes, depending on your preference.

3. Cooking the onions: Start preparing the base of the stew. Finely chop the two onions and sauté them in a large skillet with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the onions over medium heat until they become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.

4. Adding the peppers: Add the roasted peppers to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the onions. Add a cup of water and let everything simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Including the tomatoes: Meanwhile, peel the tomatoes (you can blanch them in hot water for a few seconds to make peeling easier), then dice them. Add them to the skillet and let them cook until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes soften, about 10-15 minutes.

6. Seasoning: Finally, add salt, pepper to taste, and if desired, a teaspoon of sugar to reduce acidity. Slice the garlic thinly and add it to the skillet. Let everything simmer for a few minutes, then turn off the heat.

7. Finishing the dish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the stew to add a touch of freshness and flavor.

Serving: This roasted pepper stew can be served as a main course, alongside a warm polenta, or as a side dish with roasts. It is also delicious cold, as part of a mezze meal.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a hot pepper or a bit of smoked paprika.
- This recipe is very versatile. You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to give it a personal touch.
- If you don't have bell peppers, you can use any other type of pepper, but the taste will vary.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen peppers? While fresh ones are best, you can use frozen peppers. Just make sure to thaw them well before cooking.
- Is this stew suitable for vegans? Yes, this recipe is completely vegan, with no animal-derived ingredients.
- What are the nutritional benefits of this stew? Peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, onions contain beneficial flavonoids, and tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene.

Calories: A serving of this stew contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and additional ingredients.

In conclusion, this roasted pepper stew is not just a delicious recipe but also an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. With every bite, you will feel closer to nature, and your meals will take on a special taste. So don't hesitate to try this simple recipe and personalize it to your liking! Enjoy your meal!