Vegetable stew

Vegetable stew – a traditional and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

The vegetable stew is a dish that combines the flavors and textures of a wide range of vegetables, offering not only a special taste but also a multitude of nutritional benefits. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a healthy meal, full of vitamins and minerals, without meat. Over time, the vegetable stew has become a symbol of the warm season, often associated with bountiful harvests and family meals. It is a versatile recipe and can be adapted based on the vegetables available.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 large red onion
- 1 large white onion
- 2-3 green onions
- 1 leek
- 2 medium carrots
- A small piece of celery (leaves and root)
- ½ cauliflower
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- A handful of green beans (ideally fresh, but canned can also be used)
- 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste or chopped tomatoes, to taste
- 1-2 roots of parsnip or parsley
- A head of garlic (or more, to taste)
- 1 medium potato
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 small eggplant
- Oil (olive or sunflower)
- Vegeta or salt, to taste
- Spices: bay leaves, whole pepper

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables. It is important to cut them into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can choose to cut them into cubes, slices, or sticks, depending on your preference.

2. Cutting the vegetables: I prefer to chop the onion finely and slice the garlic. If you want a more elegant look, you can use a special tool to give them a unique shape. Slice the leek, cut the carrots and celery into thicker sticks, the potato into thin slices, the zucchini into cubes, and the peppers into large pieces. Peel the eggplant and cut it into small cubes, while the cauliflower should be broken into small florets.

3. Preparing the cauliflower: Before adding it to the stew, soak the cauliflower in cold salted water for about an hour. This step helps remove impurities and insects. After an hour, drain the cauliflower and rinse it well.

4. Cooking the vegetables: In a large pot, heat a few tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté it over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Then, add the sliced garlic and leek, stirring to allow the flavors to combine.

5. Adding the vegetables: Gradually add the carrots, celery, potato, and cauliflower. Mix well to allow the vegetables to 'make friends'. After a few minutes, pour hot water over the vegetables, enough to cover them. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat.

6. Finishing the dish: When the vegetables are almost cooked (about 25 minutes), add the eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. These vegetables cook faster, so it’s important to add them later. Once all the vegetables are cooked, season with vegeta, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Finally, add the diluted tomato paste in a little vegetable broth, chopped parsley, and celery leaves.

7. Optional, baking in the oven: If you want the stew to have a more intense flavor, you can transfer it to a baking dish and bake it for about 15-20 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. This step helps reduce the liquid and intensify the flavors.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with various vegetables, adding pumpkin, asparagus, or even mushrooms, depending on the season and preferences.
- The vegetable stew can be served with a side of rice or fresh bread.
- This dish is perfect to be consumed the next day when the flavors have time to blend and become even more delicious.
- If you like spicier flavors, you can add a few hot peppers or spices like paprika.

Nutritional benefits:
The vegetable stew is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber that aids digestion. It is also low in calories, making it a perfect choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are an excellent option, but make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish.
- Can I add meat? Although this recipe is vegetarian, you can add diced chicken or pork, ensuring to sauté it well before adding the vegetables.
- How long can the stew be kept? The vegetable stew can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavors will become more intense as it sits in the fridge.

This vegetable stew will bring an explosion of flavors and colors to your plate, transforming an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: Necessary ingredients: 1 large red onion, 1 large white onion, 2-3 green onions, 1 leek, 2 medium carrots, 1 small celery (leaves and root), 1/2 cauliflower, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, 1 each of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, 1 handful of green beans (I used from a jar because I had some at home), bouillon or tomatoes to taste, 1 each of parsnip and parsley root, more garlic (almost a whole head), 1 medium potato, 1 small zucchini, 1 small eggplant, oil, seasoning, bay leaves, peppercorns.