Rustic potato dish

Potato dish with tomato sauce and vegetables: A simple and delicious recipe

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you are looking for an economical fasting recipe, full of flavor and easy to prepare, this potato dish with tomato sauce and vegetables is the perfect choice! My memories are tied to this recipe, which was my favorite in childhood, lovingly cooked by my mother-in-law on the stove of a wood-burning oven. The intense taste and delicate aromas fill my soul with joy even now. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Ingredients needed:

- 1 kg white potatoes
- 2 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 5-6 pieces of pickled bell peppers
- 200 g tomato paste
- 30 ml soy sauce (optional, but recommended)
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- A few fresh basil leaves
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Water, as needed

Preparation of the potato dish:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Wash the potatoes well under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. Place them in a pot of boiling water and add a teaspoon of salt. Let them boil for 20-25 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Once done, drain them and let them cool slightly, then peel and cut into cubes.

2. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add the oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the grated garlic and continue to stir, adding a little hot water to prevent sticking.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the onion and garlic are well sautéed, add the grated carrot. Mix everything well and let it cook for a few minutes. This step is important to bring the flavors of the vegetables to life.

4. Preparing the sauce: At this point, add the tomato paste and a cup of water. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, adding soy sauce, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preferences.

5. Finalizing the dish: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the grated garlic (for a more intense flavor) and the sliced bell peppers. Mix well and let the sauce reduce slightly until it becomes thick.

6. Combining the potatoes with the sauce: Add the boiled potato cubes to the skillet, stirring gently to coat each cube well with sauce. Let everything cook for 5-6 minutes, so the flavors meld together.

7. Finishing touches: After turning off the heat, sprinkle the chopped parsley and torn basil leaves. These will add a fresh note to your dish.

Serving and pairing suggestions:

This potato dish with tomato sauce is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh vegetable salad or pickles, adding a delicious contrast. You can serve it hot, in deep plates, to preserve all the aroma.

Useful tips:

- If you want a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more cloves of garlic, either in the sauce or as a garnish.
- Pickled bell peppers add a tangy note, but you can also use fresh peppers, cut into cubes, for a less sour option.
- Soy sauce is optional, but I recommend trying it, as it adds a depth of flavor that can transform the dish.
- You can experiment with other herbs, such as dill, which can be added at the same time as the potatoes.

Nutritional information:

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy! Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, making it a hearty and nutritious option for lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can this recipe be adapted for vegans? Yes, the recipe is already vegan, and the soy sauce gives it a rich flavor.
- Can I use other vegetables? Of course! You can experiment with zucchini, eggplant, or even green peas to add a variety of textures.
- How long can the dish be stored? It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the taste will get even better as the flavors meld.

This potato dish with tomato sauce and vegetables is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a simple yet flavorful meal. Let's enjoy cooking together and remember the culinary traditions that bring us together! Enjoy your meal!