Vegetable stew

Vegetable Stew

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Introduction

Welcome to the culinary world of autumn! Vegetable stew is a simple yet extraordinary dish that not only reminds us of the warm summer days but also fills the house with the aroma of fresh vegetables. This recipe is perfect for fasting days, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Whether you want to indulge in a healthy meal or preserve the goodness of summer for winter, this stew is the perfect choice.

Ingredients

- 2 medium onions (one red and one white)
- 2 hearty carrots
- 1 thick slice (2 cm) of celery root
- 2 large tomatoes (for juice)
- 2 large bell peppers (one green, one red)
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 130 g rice (preferably long-grain)
- a few cauliflower florets
- a few celery leaves
- half a bunch of fresh parsley
- 2-3 bay leaves
- oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Slice the onions thinly, cut the carrots into rounds, and dice the celery root. The bell peppers should be cut into large cubes, and the tomatoes will be blended into fresh juice.

2. Heating the oil: In a large pot, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the onions. This will help release the flavors from the onions.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and mix well. Pour a glass of water over the vegetables, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step is essential to allow the vegetables to reveal their flavors.

4. Adding the bell peppers: After 5 minutes, add the diced bell peppers. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes.

5. Preparing the tomato juice: While the vegetables are cooking, take the tomatoes and place them in a blender. Blend until you get a smooth juice. Pour the juice over the vegetables in the pot and mix again.

6. Cooking the cauliflower: Break the cauliflower into florets and add them to the pot. They will add a crunchy texture and a unique flavor to the stew.

7. The rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove the starch. Then, place it in a saucepan with 400 ml of water and let it boil until partially cooked (about 15 minutes). The rice should be slightly firmer, as it will continue to cook in the vegetable stew.

8. Combining the ingredients: Once the rice is partially cooked, add it to the pot with the vegetables. Mix everything well and add salt, pepper, and the bay leaves. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

9. Finishing touches: In the last few minutes of cooking, finely chop the garlic and the celery and parsley leaves. Add them to the vegetable stew, stirring gently to combine the flavors.

10. Serving: The vegetable stew can be served immediately, but it is also delicious the next day. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a slice of fresh bread.

Helpful tip: If you want to preserve the stew for winter, pour it hot into sterilized jars, place them in a pot of water, and let them boil for an hour. After that, let them cool in the water and store them in the pantry.

Nutritional benefits: This vegetable stew is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to the variety of vegetables used. A serving of stew provides essential fiber for digestion and a good source of carbohydrates from the rice, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and nourishing meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add zucchini, eggplant, or even potatoes, depending on your preferences.

2. Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, the vegetable stew is completely vegan and perfect for anyone looking to reduce their consumption of animal products.

3. How can I spice up the stew?
You can add spices like cumin, paprika, or basil to give it an even more intense flavor.

4. What can I serve with the vegetable stew?
This stew pairs perfectly with a fresh salad, a slice of homemade bread, or a serving of warm polenta.

5. How many calories does this recipe have?
A serving of vegetable stew has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It’s a light and healthy option for any meal.

Conclusion

Vegetable stew is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Whether you choose to enjoy it warm on a chilly day or save it for winter, this dish will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: 2 medium onions (one red and one white) 2 healthy carrots 1 thick slice of celery root (2 cm) 2 large tomatoes (for juice) 2 large bell peppers (one green, one red) 1 large yellow bell pepper 4 cloves of garlic 130 g rice a few cauliflower florets a few celery leaves half a bunch of fresh parsley 2-3 bay leaves salt, pepper to taste

 Tags:  vegetable stew fasting dishes rice with vegetables canned vegetables