Vegetable stew

Juicy vegetable stew

If you're looking for a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that highlights fresh vegetables, the juicy vegetable stew is the perfect choice. This recipe not only satisfies your hunger but is also ideal for fasting periods or for those who want to enjoy a light, nutrient-rich meal. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients

- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 large bell peppers
- 1 medium eggplant
- 4 medium onions
- 4 medium potatoes
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 cup of water
- 50 ml sunflower oil or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh celery leaves, finely chopped

Preparing the stew

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. This is a crucial step to ensure all impurities are removed.

Step 2: Boiling the potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes about 2 cm. Boil them in a pot of salted water. It’s important not to overcook them - they should be soft but not so much that they crumble. When ready, remove them from the water and set aside.

Step 3: Sautéing the vegetables

In a large pan or deep pot, add 50 ml of oil and let it heat up. Add the chopped onion (it doesn't need to be very fine) and sliced peppers. Sauté them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers soften.

Step 4: Adding the eggplant

Peel the eggplant and cut it into cubes. Add it to the sautéed onions and peppers and let it cook for another 5 minutes. The eggplant will absorb the flavors from the pan and add a pleasant texture to the dish.

Step 5: Preparing the tomatoes

To easily remove the skin from the tomatoes, place them in hot water for a few minutes. After they cool down a bit, peel them and cut them into cubes. Add them to the pan over the sautéed vegetables, along with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. Let everything simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Finishing the stew

Once the vegetable mixture has thickened a bit, add a cup of water and the bay leaves. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the water reduces and the flavors combine.

Step 7: Adding the potatoes

When the mixture is almost ready, add the boiled potatoes to the pan and let everything heat together for 3-4 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to absorb the delicious flavors of the stew.

Step 8: Finalizing

Remove the stew from the heat and add the chopped celery leaves. These will add a fresh note and a slightly spicy flavor to your dish.

Serving suggestions

The vegetable stew is wonderful served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or with a portion of plain rice. You can also drizzle some extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.

A personal note

I fondly remember summer days when my mother would prepare this stew in our backyard, and the aroma of fresh vegetables would fill the air. It’s a versatile recipe, and depending on your preferences, you can experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or carrots.

Nutritional benefits

This stew is not only tasty but also very healthy! The vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. Tomatoes, for example, are an excellent source of vitamin C and lycopene, which help protect the body from diseases. Additionally, consuming fresh vegetables can support digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Of course! Frozen vegetables are a convenient alternative and can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the stew.

How can I adapt the recipe to make it spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes while sautéing the vegetables. This will add a spicy and interesting note to your stew.

What drinks go well with vegetable stew?
Vegetable stew pairs excellently with fresh lemonade or a glass of mineral water. If you prefer warm drinks, a cup of green or herbal tea would perfectly complement the meal.

Recipe variations

For a different taste, you can try adding spices like sweet paprika or cumin. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to intensify the flavor. Another delicious option would be to add mushrooms or zucchini, choosing your favorite vegetables.

I hope this recipe inspires you to prepare a delicious stew full of flavors and colors! Enjoy your meal!