Summer stew

Delicious summer stew recipe with fresh vegetables

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The summer stew is a light and flavorful dish, perfect for warm days when fresh vegetables show their best qualities. This simple stew recipe resembles a vegetable medley but with an extra burst of flavor from chicken thighs. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step, with a few useful tips for achieving a perfect result.

Ingredients:
- 4 ripe, juicy tomatoes
- 2 peppers (preferably one red and one green for color)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 2 chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breast if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Other vegetables to taste (e.g., carrots, eggplants)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables. Cut the tomatoes into large cubes, the peppers into strips, and the zucchinis into rounds. If you choose to add other vegetables, make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

2. Searing the chicken thighs: In a large skillet or deep pot, add the chicken thighs. There’s no need to use oil, as the chicken will release fat during cooking. Cook them over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they change color and become golden (about 10 minutes).

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the thighs are browned, add the sliced zucchinis, peppers, and tomatoes. Mix well to combine the flavors. Pour a cup of water over the vegetables to create the stew sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.

4. Finishing the dish: Five minutes before turning off the heat, add the sliced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. The garlic will add a special aroma to the stew. Add the chopped dill and stir gently to incorporate it.

5. Serving: The summer stew is served hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta. The polenta perfectly complements this dish, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures. You can sprinkle some grated cheese on top for an extra flavor boost.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can experiment with different vegetables depending on the season. Eggplants and carrots are excellent additions.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of sweet or smoked paprika.
- This stew can also be made without meat, for a vegetarian version, by replacing the chicken thighs with mushrooms or tofu.

The summer stew is a versatile dish, easy to adapt, and perfect for enjoying the flavors of the season. Savor it with loved ones and enjoy every bite!