Winter stew

Vegetable stew for winter – a recipe full of color and flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

As the seasons change, we turn our attention to recipes that enrich our meals with aromas and colors. The vegetable stew for winter is an excellent choice, not only because it helps us enjoy seasonal vegetables, but also because it offers a practical way to preserve these delights for colder days. This recipe is simple, but requires a bit of time and patience to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

- 4 kg bell peppers and sweet peppers
- 1 kg carrots
- 1.5 kg onions
- 0.5 kg celery
- 0.5 kg zucchini
- 750 ml tomato juice
- 300 ml oil
- 150 g rice
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika, bay leaves

A brief history of the recipe

Vegetable stews have been prepared throughout time in many cultures, being an efficient method to preserve vegetables and create a nutritious and tasty dish. This recipe combines fresh vegetables, slowly cooked, to allow the flavors to develop, creating a perfect meal for winter.

Step by step for a perfect stew

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by roasting the peppers. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the peppers on a baking tray and roast for 20-30 minutes, until the skin becomes blackened and peels off easily. Another option is to use a grill or a broiler. After roasting, place them in a plastic bag to steam, making it easier to peel the skin.

Step 2: Chopping the vegetables

Once the peppers are cooled, peel them and let them drain. Meanwhile, grate the carrots, celery, and zucchini. The onion and roasted peppers can be chopped using a meat grinder or, if you have patience, finely chopped with a knife.

Step 3: Cooking the vegetables

In a large pot, add the oil and chopped onions. Place the pot over medium heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, add the grated carrots and celery. Stir occasionally, allowing the vegetables to soften, about 10-15 minutes. After they have softened, add the grated zucchini and roasted peppers, continuing to stir.

Step 4: Adding tomato juice and spices

After the vegetables have cooked well, add the tomato juice, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and bay leaves. Mix well and let the stew simmer on low heat, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Preparing the rice

Separately, boil the rice according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, as it will continue to cook in the stew. Add the rice to the stew about 30 minutes before turning off the heat.

Step 6: Sterilizing the jars

While the stew is simmering, sterilize the jars. Place them on a tray on the stove, where they will warm up from the heat emitted by the oven. It is essential that the jars are warm when you add the hot stew to avoid cracking.

Step 7: Filling the jars

Once the stew is ready, pour it into the hot jars. Screw on the lid and place the jars in a tray. Put the tray in the preheated oven on low heat for 30 minutes. This process helps seal the jars and preserve the flavors.

Step 8: Cooling the jars

Turn off the heat and leave the jars in the closed oven until they cool completely, ideally overnight. This step is crucial to ensure optimal preservation.

Useful tips

1. Ingredients: Choose fresh, quality vegetables for a more intense flavor. Bell peppers and sweet peppers add a natural sweetness to the stew.
2. Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as peas or green beans, to diversify the recipe.
3. Spices: Experiment with spices! You can add garlic, thyme, or oregano to change the flavor profile.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This vegetable stew is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Each serving contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but the taste will be slightly different. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the stew.

2. How can I keep the stew longer?
If the jars are well sterilized and sealed, the stew can be kept in the pantry for several months.

3. What can I serve alongside the stew?
This stew pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A fresh green salad will complement the meal excellently.

End your meal with a smile and enjoy the flavor of winter in every jar of stew. This recipe is not just a dish, but a way to bring warmth and comfort on cold days, making it a perfect choice for winter evenings spent with loved ones. Savor every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends!

 Ingredients: 4 kg bell peppers and sweet peppers, 1 kg carrots, 1.5 kg onions, 0.5 kg celery, 0.5 kg zucchini, 750 ml tomato juice, 300 ml oil, 150 g rice, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, bay leaves

 Tags:  stew for winter