Grandma's Italian vegetable stew is a comforting classic, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a taste of home. This recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of Italian cooking: simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something truly magical. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists; this stew is surprisingly easy to make, relying on the natural sweetness of the vegetables and aromatic herbs to create a rich and satisfying broth. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling nourished and content.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a journey through the heart of Italian home cooking. The vibrant colors and delightful mix of textures will tantalize your taste buds, while the comforting aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth. Ready to experience the magic? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and bring this delicious Italian vegetable stew to life.
Tools Needed
- Large cooking pot
Ingredients
- Eggplant: 1 large
- Green Squash: 2
- Potatoes: 3 (or more)
- Olive Oil
- Del Monte Tomato Sauce (8oz cans): 3 (or more)
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
- Crusty Italian Bread: 1 loaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the vegetables (eggplant, squash, and potatoes into cubes). Peel and wash the potatoes before cutting.
Step 2. Sauté Potatoes and Build the Sauce Base
- Add olive oil to the large pot and coat the bottom of the pan. Add salt and pepper to the oil. Heat over medium heat.
- Add potatoes to the hot oil and sauté for a few minutes until they develop a slightly translucent skin. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Drain the excess oil from the potatoes.
- Add one can of Del Monte tomato sauce to the pot with the potatoes. Repeat this step until you have enough sauce to cover the vegetables (about 3-4 cans). Add an equal amount of water to the sauce.
Step 3. Simmer with Potatoes
- Simmer the potatoes in the sauce over low to medium heat while you prepare the remaining vegetables (squash and eggplant).
Step 4. Add Remaining Vegetables and Simmer
- Add the remaining vegetables (squash and then eggplant) to the pot. Make sure all vegetables are fully coated in the sauce.
Read more: Comforting Italian White Bean & Sausage Stew Recipe
Tips
- The ingredient quantities are minimums. Add more potatoes, eggplant, or squash depending on your preference, but keep all three vegetables.
- Add vegetables in order of cooking time: potatoes first (longest), then eggplant, then squash (shortest).
- Sautéing the potatoes before adding the sauce helps prevent them from disintegrating.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen vegetables work perfectly fine in this stew. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the pot to prevent excess water.
2. How can I make this stew spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to taste. You could also include a finely chopped chili pepper with the onions.
This simple yet flavorful Italian vegetable stew is a testament to the magic of fresh ingredients and a touch of love. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of tradition, and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch. Buon appetito!