Vegetable stew like at the monastery

Vegetable Stew like at the Monastery – A Simple and Delicious Lent Recipe

If you're looking for a lent recipe that delights your taste buds and reminds you of the simple yet flavorful dishes from monastery kitchens, this vegetable stew is the perfect choice. Light, healthy, and quick, the recipe adheres to the tradition of meatless meals but is full of flavor and consistency. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow, for added color)
- 1 sweet pepper (optional, for a sweet taste)
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 large potato
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 large tomatoes (or 200 g of tomato paste, if fresh tomatoes are not available)
- 200 g of mushrooms (wild if available, or cultivated)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation steps:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash all the vegetables well. Cut the bell pepper and sweet pepper into cubes, the onion into slices, the eggplant into cubes, and the potato into thin slices for quicker cooking. Finely chop the garlic. If using fresh tomatoes, peel and dice them.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. This process will release the flavors and give the stew a special taste.

3. Add the bell pepper and rice: Once the onion is ready, add the bell pepper and rice. Mix well and let them sauté together for 2-3 minutes until the rice becomes slightly transparent.

4. Add water and vegetables: Pour in a cup of water and let it simmer on low heat. When the water has reduced, incorporate the eggplant and potato, along with another cup of water. This step is essential to achieve a creamy and tasty stew.

5. Finalize the dish: After the vegetables have cooked for about 10 minutes, add the tomatoes (or tomato paste) and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

6. Garnish and serve: When the stew is ready, add the finely chopped parsley and cover the pot for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

The vegetable stew is served hot, alongside slices of fresh bread, preferably homemade or HapiHap bread, to soak up the flavorful broth.

Variation suggestion: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or peas, depending on your preferences and the season. Additionally, for an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like smoked paprika or thyme.

This vegetable stew is not only an excellent choice for fasting days but also a healthy dish you can enjoy anytime, offering a special taste and a comforting texture. Enjoy this simple and flavorful recipe and savor nature's gifts in every bite!