Introduction:
When it begins to get cooler and the leaves are changing, nothing beats a rich, hearty meal to warm you from the inside out. One recipe that will always work is a vegetable stew. Favourful and nutritious, this meal is a favourite in most parts of the world. And here is my version of this classic, using the easy ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
Recipe Overview:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Equipment: Big pot, cutting board, knife.
- Prep ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so prepare ahead and let it age in the fridge.
- Retention: Put the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Key Ingredients:
- Potatoes: Sliced potatoes make the stew filling and wholesome. And they also make the broth thicker during cooking.
- Carrots: Thin carrots add a little sweetness and beautiful color to the meal. They also have vitamins and minerals.
- Bell pepper: Diced bell peppers give the stew some color and a hint of smoke. They’re a loaded source of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Recipe Tips & Techniques:
- Make sure you get the onions just a little crispy by browning them in a bit of oil. This will provide a savory starting point for the stew.
- After this, add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots and let them cook for a few minutes then add the bell peppers.
- Adjust seasonings: Season the stew with your favorite herbs and spices. I like to add a mixture of thyme, rosemary, and some paprika for spice.
- You can mash a bit of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon to make the broth thicker.
- If you want a more savoury stew, add some red wine or vegetable broth at the very end of cooking.
Serving & Presentation:
Pour the vegetable stew into bowls and top with fresh herbs (parsley or chives). Put it over a bed of fluffy rice or bread for a full-fledged meal. It’s a great stew to enjoy with a glass of red wine or a hot cup of herbal tea.
Cultural Context:
Vegetable stews are an ever-flexible dish and they appear in many cuisines. Each culture has its own version of this comforting meal, be it French ratatouille or Indian sabzi. Vegetable stews are a winter favourite across cultures and warm families and communities alike.
Nutrition & Health:
The vegetable stew is very tasty and very healthy as well. There’s potassium and vitamin C in potatoes, and beta-carotene and fiber in carrots. The bell peppers are brimming with antioxidants and vitamin C, and this stew is full of nutrition. Also, the combination of veggies gives you good amounts of carbohydrates, protein and fiber.
Conclusion:
Whether you need something warm to enjoy on a cold evening or a nutritious meal for the whole family, this vegetable stew is a must try. The recipe is simple and easy to make and even the ingredients are simple. So stock up on your potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers and prepare to enjoy this warming, healthy dish. Bon appétit!