Swedish-style Ajapsandali with Root Vegetables

Ingredients

In this Swedish adaptation of Ajapsandali, we incorporate traditional Swedish herbs like dill and thyme to enhance the flavors. Additionally, we use root vegetables commonly found in Swedish cuisine, such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips, to give the dish a distinct Swedish touch. The cooking techniques and overall concept of the dish remain true to the original Georgian recipe, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors from both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Ajapsandali, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 turnip, peeled and diced 1 turnip, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 210 kcal / 879 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 9g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced potatoes, carrots, turnip, and red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes, including the juice, and add the paprika, ground coriander, dried thyme, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Ensure that the potatoes are diced into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Carrots — Use fresh and firm carrots for the best texture and flavor.
• Turnip — Peel the turnip thoroughly to remove any tough outer skin.
• Dill — Use fresh dill for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried dill, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the Swedish-style Ajapsandali with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

Serving advice

Serve the Swedish-style Ajapsandali as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread or steamed rice. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Swedish-style Ajapsandali with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through the rich tomato sauce.