Vegetable Stew

 Ingredients: zucchini 2 pcs, eggplants 2 pcs, onion 3 pcs, red bell peppers 2 pcs, mushrooms 5 pcs, tomatoes 5 pcs, carrot 3 pcs, olive oil 3 tbsp, rice 150 g, salt, pepper.

In a large skillet, add extra virgin olive oil along with a little water. These are gently mixed to create a perfect environment for sautéing the vegetables. Finely chopped onion is added to sauté, which will bring an enticing aroma throughout the preparation. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the sliced carrot, followed by diced bell peppers. These colorful vegetables will add not only flavor but also a vibrant look to the dish.

As the vegetables begin to soften, add the zucchini, peeled and diced, and the eggplants, also cut into cubes. The eggplants, with their fine texture, will blend perfectly with the other vegetables, bringing a touch of creaminess. Sliced mushrooms join the mixture, bringing a rich and umami flavor. It is essential to stir occasionally, and during cooking, add a splash of water, salt, and pepper to taste, to enhance the flavors.

When all the vegetables are well sautéed and the flavors have melded, move on to the next step. Diced tomatoes will be added to the vegetable mixture, but not before blanching them for a few minutes and removing the skin. This is an important trick that will allow the sauce to be smoother and more pleasant to taste. Stir well, so the tomatoes integrate perfectly into the vegetable composition.

After the tomatoes have been added, it's time to introduce the washed rice, which will absorb all the flavors and juices from the vegetables. Add a little water, then transfer the mixture to a heat-resistant dish, which will be placed in the oven. Covered with a lid or aluminum foil, the dish will bake at a medium temperature until the rice absorbs all the water and becomes fluffy. This final step will take about 25-30 minutes. In the end, you will have a delicious dish, full of colors and flavors, perfect for a healthy and nourishing meal. Serve it warm, garnished with a little freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness!

 Tags:  onion carrots rice tomatoes pepper oil zucchini mushrooms olives eggplant stew gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes