Spiced potato stew

Spiced Potato Stew - a traditional, hearty, and flavorful dish, perfect for cold winter days. This simple recipe will transform ordinary potatoes into a culinary delight, ideal for serving alongside pickles or as a side dish to meat.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 6 medium potatoes
- 2 large onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- a few tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (sweet or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, crushed between fingers
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 1/3 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt, to taste

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the potatoes, then cut them into cubes or slices of suitable size for even cooking. Chop the onion finely and crush the garlic. These will add depth and flavor to the dish.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a thicker-bottomed pot or a cast-iron cauldron, add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial as caramelizing the onion will add sweetness to the stew.

3. Adding the spices: Once the onion is ready, add the bay leaves, paprika, thyme, and cumin. Mix well to release the flavors of the spices. You can use sweet paprika for a mild taste or spicy paprika for an extra kick.

4. Cooking the potatoes: After the spices are well integrated, add the cut potatoes and stir to coat them with the onion and spice mixture. Let them cook for a few minutes over medium heat until they start to change color.

5. Boiling: Cover the potatoes with hot water, add salt to taste, and let them boil over medium heat. Check occasionally to ensure they don't stick to the bottom of the pot. Cooking will take about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender.

6. Finishing the stew: About 5 minutes before turning off the heat, add the tomato paste diluted in a cup with a little warm water, along with the sugar. This will add a rich flavor and vibrant color. Before turning off the heat, add the crushed garlic and mix well.

7. Resting the dish: After you have turned off the heat, cover the stew and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to blend perfectly, giving the dish a unique taste.

Serving suggestions: The spiced potato stew pairs wonderfully with assorted pickles or a few slices of fried sausage. You can also add some fresh parsley leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Variations: You can experiment with various vegetables by adding carrots or bell peppers, and for a spicy version, you can incorporate chili peppers. The stew can also be adapted for vegetarians by completely removing the meat.

This spiced potato stew recipe is not only delicious but also comforting, perfect for cold winter evenings. Prepare it with love and enjoy its unmistakable aroma!