Lenten food (mashed potatoes with vegetable stew)

Lenten food is a delicious and healthy choice, and the mashed potatoes with vegetable stew is a recipe that brings together flavorful tastes and fine textures. This recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it is also very versatile, perfect for those days when we want to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this savory dish!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

*For the mash:*
- 1 kg of potatoes
- 100 g of margarine
- 100 ml of water (in which the potatoes were boiled)
- Salt (to taste)

*For the stew:*
- 1 large onion
- 2 bell peppers (preferably different colors for a pleasant appearance)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (you can choose olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- A handful of fresh celery leaves
- 500 g of tomatoes (or canned tomatoes if they are out of season)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparing the mashed potatoes:

1. Cleaning the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water. Peel them using a sharp knife or a peeler. Cut them into cubes of about 3-4 cm to cook evenly.

2. Boiling the potatoes: Place the potato cubes in a large pot, add water and a little salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes or until they become soft. You can check if they are cooked by inserting a fork - if it goes in easily, they are ready.

3. Preparing the mash: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them but keep 100 ml of the water they were boiled in. Place them in a food processor, add the margarine and the reserved water. Blend until you achieve a smooth mash. Taste and add salt if necessary. This mash will be creamy and flavorful, perfect to accompany the vegetable stew.

Preparing the vegetable stew:

1. Chopping the vegetables: Wash and peel the onion, then chop it finely. Also, wash the peppers, remove the seeds, and cut them into small cubes.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and peppers, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they become soft and slightly golden. This process will release the flavors of the vegetables and provide a delicious base for your stew.

3. Adding the tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, wash them well and cut them into cubes. Add the tomatoes to the skillet along with the bay leaf. Stir well and let it simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens. If using canned tomatoes, add them directly and let it simmer until the mixture thickens.

4. Finalizing the stew: Finally, add the finely chopped celery leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the stew cook for another 2-3 minutes for the flavors to combine well.

Serving:

To serve, place a generous portion of mashed potatoes on a plate and top it with a serving of vegetable stew. You can garnish with a few fresh celery leaves or a sprig of parsley for a more appealing look. This meal is not only full of flavor but also of colors, making it a delight for both taste and eyes!

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in complex carbohydrates from potatoes, providing sustainable energy. The vegetables in the stew are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a strong immune system and healthy digestion. It is also an excellent option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Tips and variations:

- Adding other vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or eggplant, to diversify the taste and texture of the stew.
- Spices: You could experiment with different spices, such as cumin or sweet paprika, for an extra flavor boost.
- Flavored mashed potatoes: Add crushed garlic or fresh herbs to the mash for a more intense taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, you can use butter, but make sure it is at room temperature to incorporate well into the mash.
2. What can I do with leftovers? If you have leftover stew, you can use it as a filling for sandwiches or as a side dish for other meals.
3. Is this recipe suitable for children? Absolutely! It is a healthy and tasty meal, and kids will love the mashed potatoes.

This mashed potatoes with vegetable stew is a recipe that combines culinary tradition with a modern taste, perfect for any meal. We wish you a good appetite and hope you enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: For the puree: 1 kg of potatoes, 100 g of margarine, 100 ml of the water in which the potatoes were boiled, salt if needed. For the vegetable stew: 1 large onion, 2 bell peppers of different colors, 3 tablespoons of oil, 1 bay leaf, linden leaves, 1/2 kg of tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste.

 Tags:  mashed vegetable stew vegetables