Summer stew

Summer Stew - a simple and healthy delight

Every summer, when the sun shines brighter and gardens are filled with fresh, aromatic vegetables, there’s nothing more comforting than a summer stew. This recipe, passed down through generations, is not only easy to prepare but also full of color, flavor, and beautiful memories. Get ready to fall in love with this delicious dish that can become your family's summer favorite!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 6 medium onions
- 9-10 medium carrots
- 1.5 kg of bell peppers (preferably kapia or sweet peppers)
- 2 kg of tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, enough to cover the bottom of the pot
- A tablespoon of sugar (optional, for a balanced taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the tomatoes. A very effective trick to make this easier is to plunge them in boiling water for a minute, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water. The skin will come off easily. After peeling the tomatoes, chop them finely by hand, keeping the juice to add extra flavor to the stew.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Slice the onions into rings or thin slices, grate the carrots, and cut the peppers into pieces about one square centimeter. It’s important that the peppers are cut into not-too-small pieces so they remain crunchy during cooking.

3. Cooking: In a large pot, add enough oil to cover the bottom and heat it over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they become slightly golden, being careful not to burn them. Then, add the grated carrots and let them sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Adding the peppers: Once the carrots have softened, add the chopped peppers. You can let the peppers cook for 10 minutes, depending on your preferences: if you want them softer, you can leave them longer; if you prefer them crunchier, 10 minutes is enough.

5. Finishing the stew: Finally, add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Let the stew simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want to add a sweet note, now is the time to incorporate a tablespoon of sugar; this will balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add a subtle flavor.

6. Serving: Once the stew is ready, you can serve it hot, plain, or with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. This stew is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed both as a main course and as a side dish.

Useful tips:
- Storage: The summer stew keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.
- Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant. You can also add herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of summer stew contains approximately 150-200 calories, making it a healthy choice due to the vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while carrots add a boost of beta-carotene.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? It is recommended to use fresh vegetables for the best flavor, but you can also use frozen vegetables if necessary.
- How can I make the stew spicier? If you like spicy food, you can add fresh or dried chili peppers during cooking.
- Can it be made vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian and can be adapted for vegans by omitting the sugar from beets (if used).

A summer stew is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. So, don’t hesitate to make it and share this recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!