Roasted Pepper Stew

Roasted Pepper Stew - A recipe full of flavor and summer memories

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

When our thoughts drift to the warm days of summer, we can't help but think of the enticing aromas of fresh vegetables. Roasted pepper stew is a simple yet flavorful dish that reminds us of family and friends gathering on the terrace, savoring every bite. This recipe is perfect for those who want to bring a touch of sunshine to their plate, no matter the season.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg roasted peppers (preferably red or yellow for a sweeter taste)
- 6 large ripe tomatoes (choose quality tomatoes for a delicious sauce)
- 2 medium onions (one white for a sweeter taste or one red for a more intense note)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (use quality oil for better flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (ideally homemade, but store-bought will work too)
- 2 tablespoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (smoked paprika can add an interesting note)
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Sour cream, for serving (a thick sour cream will make the dish creamier)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the roasted peppers: Start by roasting the peppers. You can do this either on a grill or in the oven. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 220°C, place the peppers on a baking tray, and let them roast for 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally until the skin becomes black and starts to peel off. Once roasted, place them in a bowl and cover with aluminum foil to steam for 10 minutes. Then, peel off the skin and slice them.

2. Preparing the sauce: Meanwhile, blanch the tomatoes. Make a cross-shaped cut on the bottom of each tomato, place them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them immediately to a bowl of cold water. The skin will be much easier to remove. Put the peeled tomatoes in a blender and blend until you get a smooth paste.

3. Sautéing the onion: In a pot, add a little water and the olive oil. Heat over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to soften, releasing its sweet aromas.

4. Adding the main ingredients: Add the roasted peppers and tomato paste to the pot, along with two tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix well, then add a little water (about 100-150 ml) to help cook the ingredients and blend the flavors. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust the consistency by adding more water if necessary.

5. Seasoning: Once the stew has simmered, add the sweet paprika, salt, and pepper, adjusting the taste to your preference. This step is essential as the spices will add depth and flavor to the dish.

6. Serving: Once the stew is ready, serve it warm, topped with a spoonful of sour cream. The sour cream will not only add creaminess but also balance the intense flavors of the peppers and tomatoes.

Practical tips:
- If you want a spicier stew, you can add some chopped hot pepper or chili flakes.
- Roasted pepper stew pairs wonderfully with warm focaccia or fresh bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- You can add protein to the dish, such as ground beef or chicken, for a heartier option.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is rich in antioxidants due to the tomatoes and peppers, which are excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. Additionally, olive oil brings healthy fats that are beneficial for the heart.

Vegetarian option:
For a vegetarian option, you can add cooked chickpeas or lentils, which will turn the stew into a nourishing and protein-rich main dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned peppers? Yes, but the taste will be different; make sure to drain them well before use.
- Can the stew be frozen? Yes, it is a dish that freezes well. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent excessive freezing.
- What other dishes can it be paired with? Roasted pepper stew pairs perfectly with plain rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta.

In conclusion, roasted pepper stew is a versatile, easy-to-make dish full of flavor, perfect for bringing a touch of summer into every day. Experiment with the ingredients and spices, and don't hesitate to share this recipe with loved ones! The delight will please everyone!

 Ingredients: We need: 1 kg roasted peppers, 6 large tomatoes, 2 onions, 3-4 tablespoons of broth oil (ideally homemade), 2 tablespoons of salt, sweet paprika, pepper to taste, sour cream for serving.

 Tags:  roasted peppers tomatoes broth