Pea stew with French toast

Pea stew with fried bread – A comforting delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Pea stew with fried bread is a traditional recipe that evokes cherished childhood memories. This combination of fresh peas and meat, served with crispy fried bread, is perfect for a family dinner or a comforting meal on cooler days. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients needed

For the stew:
- 1 can of peas (about 400g)
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (sweet, kapia, or gogoșar - the choice is yours!)
- 300g of meat of your choice (pork, chicken, or beef)
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill

For the fried bread:
- 4 slices of bread (preferably baguette or homemade bread)
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying

Step by step – Preparing the pea stew

1. Prepare the meat: Start by washing the chosen meat, then cut it into suitable pieces. Boil it in a pot of water until tender. This step is essential for achieving a delicious stew, and well-cooked meat will give a rich flavor to the dish.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté it over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This will add a sweet aroma to your stew.

3. Add the bell pepper: Once the onion is sautéed, add the diced bell pepper. Cook them together for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The bell pepper will bring a note of freshness and color to the dish.

4. Combine the ingredients: After the meat is boiled, add it to the skillet along with the peas, including the liquid from the can. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes. This step will allow the flavors to combine.

5. Season: Add the tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste. This mixture will give a special flavor to your stew. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until the ingredients are well integrated.

6. Finish with dill: Finally, after the stew is ready, add the chopped dill. The fresh dill will provide an inviting aroma and a note of freshness to the dish.

Preparing the fried bread

1. Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, beat the two eggs well with a pinch of salt. This mixture will help the fried bread to be fluffy and delicious.

2. Cutting and frying the bread: Cut the bread into slices about 1.5 cm thick. Heat oil in a deep skillet. In the meantime, dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, without soaking too long to avoid becoming too soggy.

3. Fry the bread: Place the slices in the hot oil and fry them until golden and crispy on both sides. This will take about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the fried bread onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving

Pea stew with fried bread is served warm, with crispy fried bread on the side. You can add a fresh green salad for an extra texture and freshness. A personal suggestion would be to add a few drops of balsamic vinegar over the fried bread for a touch of acidity.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fresh peas instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely! Using fresh peas will add extra flavor, but it will require a longer cooking time.

- What meat is the most suitable?
You can use any type of meat you prefer. Chicken is leaner, while pork will provide a richer flavor.

- How can I vary the recipe?
You can replace peas with green beans or other seasonal vegetables. You can also add spices like sweet paprika or cumin to diversify the flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Pea stew is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Peas are rich in fiber, aiding digestion, and meat provides essential nutrients for the body. Fried bread, while delicious, should be consumed in moderation due to its higher calorie content from frying.

This simple and comforting recipe is perfect for any occasion, and with a little love and patience, the result will surely be special. Cook with your heart and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 can of peas, 1 large onion, 1 bell pepper (sweet, kapia, or gogoșar, your choice), oil, meat of your choice, 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste, fresh dill. For the French toast: slices of bread, egg, salt, oil for frying.