Vegetable stew

Vegetable Stew with Rice – A Delicious Recipe for Winter

The vegetable stew is a wonderful dish that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. This recipe not only combines delicious flavors and textures but is also an excellent way to preserve fresh vegetables for the cold season. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a main course, the vegetable stew will bring a touch of warmth and comfort on chilly days.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

- 3 kg bell peppers (for a sweet and aromatic taste)
- 250 ml oil (choose sunflower or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 4-5 onions (onion adds a sweet and deep aroma)
- 2-3 carrots (for a hint of sweetness and color)
- 300 g tomato paste (opt for a quality paste, without additives)
- 200 g rice (preferably basmati or long-grain)
- 1 cup water (about 250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable seasoning (or preferred spice)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 bay leaves (for a distinct aroma)

Steps for Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the bell peppers
Start by washing the bell peppers and roasting them. You can choose to roast them in the oven or on the grill until they are slightly browned. This will enhance their flavor. Once cooled, peel them and pass them through a meat grinder, keeping a few to cut into strips for decoration.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
In a large pot, add the oil and place it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and grated carrot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot softens slightly.

Step 3: Adding the rice
Wash the rice under cold running water to remove the starch. Add the rice to the pot, mixing well to soak it in the flavors of the vegetables. Cook the rice in water with vegetable seasoning for about 10 minutes, until it is almost cooked but not completely.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Add the chopped bell peppers (especially those you prepared earlier). Incorporate the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Baking
Transfer the mixture to a suitable baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 1 hour. During this time, the flavors will blend, and the rice will absorb all the taste.

Step 6: Preserving in jars
Check if the rice is fully cooked. If necessary, you can add a little more water. When ready, take the stew out of the oven and fill the sterilized jars with the warm mixture. Seal the jars and put them back in the oven for 15-20 minutes to ensure preservation.

Step 7: Cooling and storing
After removing the jars from the oven, wrap them in blankets to keep them warm. Allow them to cool completely until the next day, when you can store them in the pantry.

Practical Tips

1. Choose ingredients carefully: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for better flavor. Sweet bell peppers are essential for a tasty stew.

2. Vary the spices: You can also add other spices, such as sweet or hot paprika, to customize the flavor.

3. Alternatives for rice: If you want to try a gluten-free version, you can replace the rice with quinoa or olives, which will add an interesting texture.

4. Serve with love: This stew is delicious served alongside fresh bread or polenta. You can accompany it with creamy yogurt or a fresh salad for a balanced lunch.

Nutritional Benefits

The vegetable stew is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetables are rich in antioxidants, and rice provides complex carbohydrates that will give you energy throughout the day. It is a healthy and nourishing choice, perfect for a family meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! The vegetable stew is very versatile. You can add zucchini, eggplant, or green beans to diversify the recipe.

2. How can I preserve the stew?
Make sure the jars are well sterilized and that you have sealed the lid correctly to prevent spoilage.

3. How long does it keep?
If well preserved, the vegetable stew can be kept for several months in a cool, dark place. After opening the jar, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.

The vegetable stew with rice is not just a tasty dish but also a way to bring the flavors of autumn and winter into your home. So, let's get cooking and delight your family with this fantastic recipe!

 Ingredients: 3 kg bell peppers, 1/4 l oil, 4-5 onions, 2-3 carrots, 300 g tomato paste, 200 g rice, one cup of water, one tablespoon of vegetable seasoning, salt, pepper, bay leaves

 Tags:  stew vegetables rice