Vegetable stew

Vegetable Stew: A Delight of Natural Flavors

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Introduction

Vegetable stew is a classic recipe, full of color and flavors, that has brought together garden ingredients over the years. It is a versatile dish, perfect for both warm summer days and cool autumn evenings. Besides being a healthy choice, rich in vitamins and minerals, vegetable stew is also a budget-friendly option, ideal for using leftover vegetables from the fridge. Whether served as a main dish or as a side, this preparation will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

- 2 medium onions
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 zucchinis
- 4 medium potatoes
- 4 carrots
- 1 piece of celery
- 1 can of peas (approximately 400 g)
- 1 can of green beans (approximately 400 g)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (approximately 400 g)
- 300 g of champignon mushrooms
- 1/2 bunch of dill
- 1/2 bunch of parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 50 ml of oil (preferably olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 glass of white wine (250 ml)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables under cold running water to remove impurities. This is an essential step, especially when using fresh garden vegetables. Chop the onion finely, grate the carrots on a large grater, and cut the zucchini, potatoes, bell peppers, and celery into small cubes. Slice the mushrooms thinly.

2. Rinsing the canned vegetables
Drain the peas and green beans from the can and rinse them under water to remove preservatives and excess salt. This step will help achieve a cleaner and fresher taste.

3. Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated carrot, zucchini, potatoes, and bell pepper, followed by the celery and mushrooms. Sauté all the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Deglazing with wine
Add the glass of white wine to the vegetable mixture, allowing it to evaporate over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The wine will add a note of acidity and depth to the flavors.

5. Adding the canned vegetables
Once the wine has evaporated, add the drained peas and beans, diced tomatoes, and a glass of water. These ingredients will contribute to creating a rich and tasty sauce. Finally, add the chopped herbs (dill and parsley), thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.

6. Boiling the stew
Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer on low heat until the vegetables are cooked, about 20-25 minutes. It is important to stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

7. Resting the dish
Once the stew is ready, remove it from the heat and let it rest with the lid on for 10 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to blend and become even more delicious.

Serving

Vegetable stew is perfect served with a slice of fresh bread to savor the tasty sauce. A salad of fresh tomatoes on the side will add a note of freshness and perfectly complement the meal.

Practical Tips

- For a more liquid stew, add an extra glass of water and half a can of diced tomatoes or 2 tablespoons of broth diluted with water.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other seasonal vegetables, such as eggplant or squash. You can also add proteins, such as tofu or chicken, to make the dish more substantial.
- Care for the vegetables: Make sure the vegetables are fresh for a special taste. If the vegetables are soft or have spots, it’s best to avoid them.
- Storage: The stew keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water if needed.

Nutritional Benefits

This stew is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with a low calorie content, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Vegetables like carrots and zucchini are excellent sources of antioxidants, while beans and peas contribute to the intake of plant-based proteins.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen vegetables?
Of course! Frozen vegetables are a convenient option and can be successfully used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the stew.

- How can I make the stew spicier?
If you like a spicy note, you can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes during preparation.

- What drinks pair well with vegetable stew?
A glass of dry white wine or a non-alcoholic fruit cocktail will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish. Also, mineral water with lemon is a refreshing option.

Personal Note

Vegetable stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring family and friends together at the table. I fondly remember the evenings spent with loved ones, cooking together and laughing around the table. Each serving is an invitation to savor the freshness of the vegetables and celebrate the simplicity of home cooking.

By trying this recipe, you will discover not only a delicious dish but also a culinary tradition that brings joy and warmth to every plate. So, gather your ingredients and let’s enjoy a vegetable stew full of flavors and stories!

 Ingredients: 2 medium onions, 2 red bell peppers, 2 zucchinis, 4 medium potatoes, 4 carrots, 1 small piece of celery, 1 can of peas, 1 can of green beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 300 g of champignon mushrooms, 1/2 bunch of dill, 1/2 bunch of parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 50 ml of oil, salt, pepper, 1 glass of 250 ml of white wine

 Tags:  vegetable stew