Monk's stew in an enameled pot

Monk's vegetable stew in an enamel pot

Welcome to the delicious world of monk's vegetable stew, a dish that combines the natural flavors of vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil and spices that will delight your senses! This dish is not only a healthy choice, ideal for days when we want to enjoy a more balanced diet, but also a recipe full of color and flavor. It is a perfect choice for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet. Let’s get ready to discover how to create this delicious stew, step by step!

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

Ingredients

- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 onions, julienned
- 1 can of corn (about 400 g)
- 1/2 cabbage, finely chopped
- 1/2 large celery, peeled and cubed
- 1 bag of frozen green beans (about 400 g)
- a few fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
- tomato paste or puree (about 200 g)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- herbs: thyme, basil, tarragon, and coriander, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Once they are prepared, chop the potatoes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms into suitable cubes or slices. The onions can be julienned, and the cabbage should be finely chopped. It is important that all vegetables are cut to a similar size for even cooking.

Step 2: Arranging the ingredients in the pot
Choose an enamel pot, which will not only give the dish a rustic look but will also help with even cooking. Add all the chopped vegetables to the enamel pot, including the corn and frozen green beans. These will add a pleasant texture to the stew.

Step 3: Seasoning
Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil. This will help enhance the flavor and caramelize the vegetables during baking. Sprinkle salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and your favorite herbs. Personally, I recommend a combination of thyme and basil, which pair wonderfully with the vegetables.

Step 4: Initial baking
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let the vegetables bake for about an hour. This step will help soften the vegetables and release their flavors.

Step 5: Adding the tomato sauce and garlic
After one hour, remove the pot from the oven. Add the tomato puree or paste over the vegetables and gently stir to combine. Add the sliced garlic and mix again. The garlic will give the stew a deep and delicious aroma.

Step 6: Final baking
Cover the pot again and return it to the oven for another 30 minutes. About 10 minutes before removing the stew from the oven, remove the lid to allow the vegetables to brown nicely. You will notice a delicious crust developing on top, making the dish even more appealing.

Serving
The monk's stew is best served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or as a side dish to a meat-based dish, if you prefer. It can also be enjoyed cold, making it ideal for picnics or office lunches.

Helpful tips
- Seasonal vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables or those you have on hand. Zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers are excellent options!
- Spicy variation: If you like spicy food, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the spice mix.
- Serving variations: You can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream at serving, which will add a creamy and refreshing note.

Nutritional benefits
This monk's stew is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the variety of vegetables used. It is also low in calories, around 180 calories per serving, and is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their diet. The vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, and garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions

Can I add meat to this stew?
Of course! You can add cubes of chicken or turkey, which will cook well alongside the vegetables.

How can I store the stew for later consumption?
The monk's stew keeps very well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It is also delicious when reheated!

Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan and contains no animal-derived ingredients.

I hope you try this monk's vegetable stew recipe and that it becomes a favorite in your kitchen! Cooking is not just about feeding the body, but also about bringing joy and health into everyday life. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 potatoes, 3 large carrots, 2 onions, 1 can of corn kernels, 1/2 cabbage, 1/2 celery (the large Dutch kind), 1 bag of frozen green beans, a few fresh mushrooms, 3-4 cloves of garlic, broth or tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, herbs: thyme/basil/tarragon/coriander to taste, olive oil

 Tags:  stew vegetables