Stew General Assembly (fasting)

The "General Assembly" fasting dish is a simple and tasty preparation, full of flavors and colors, that transforms fresh vegetables into a symphony of delicious tastes. This recipe is not just a fasting meal, but also an opportunity to enjoy the health benefits of vegetables, savoring a nutritious and comforting main course, perfect for days when you choose to abstain from meat. Let’s discover together how you can prepare this delicacy in just a few simple steps.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 2 green onions
- 1/2 small celery root
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 bell pepper or capia pepper
- 10 small potatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 400 g peas (canned or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons red pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- A handful of chopped fresh parsley
- A handful of chopped fresh dill
- Oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- Approximately 1 liter of water

Why is it called "General Assembly"?
This recipe carries a friendly name, suggesting that each ingredient plays an important role, like members of an assembly. Each vegetable contributes its flavor and texture, and together they form a harmonious dish, perfect for family meals or quick lunches.

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the green onions, cube the celery, cut the carrots into rounds, and slice the bell pepper. Cut the potatoes into suitable pieces and crush the garlic. This preparation will help you cook more efficiently and enjoy a uniform dish.

Step 2: Heating the oil
In a large pot, add a generous amount of oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pot) and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir well to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot. These vegetables will form the delicious base of our dish.

Step 3: Adding the liquid
Once the vegetables start to soften, add warm water, enough to cover the vegetables. Cover the pot with a lid and wait for it to boil. In the meantime, prepare the potatoes as you did before, cutting them into suitable pieces.

Step 4: Boiling
When the water begins to boil, add the cut potatoes, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Let it boil for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are nearly cooked. Then, add the peas (if using canned peas, make sure they are well drained).

Step 5: Finishing the dish
Add the red pepper paste and tomato paste, stirring well. Let it boil for another 5 minutes without the lid to avoid pea skins. When everything is well mixed and flavored, turn off the heat and add the chopped greens (parsley and dill) for a fresh touch.

Step 6: Serving
The "General Assembly" dish can be served warm with a slice of fresh bread. It’s also wonderful the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. You can pair it with soy yogurt for a creamy touch or with a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast.

Helpful tips:
- If you like to experiment, you can also add other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.
- For a more pronounced flavor, you can add spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
- If you want a spicy version, add a little chili pepper to the mix.

Nutritional benefits:
This fasting dish is packed with vitamins and minerals due to the variety of vegetables used. It is an excellent choice for a balanced diet, rich in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer. It is also low in calories, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen peas are an excellent choice, and other vegetables can also be used.

2. How long does it keep?
The dish can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

3. Can it be frozen?
Yes, it is ideal for freezing. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.

4. What other dishes can it be combined with?
This vegetable dish is delicious served alongside rice or quinoa, and a fresh cabbage salad is a perfect accompaniment.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful "General Assembly"!