New Jersey Style Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

While the original Bulgarian Guvech is traditionally made with a combination of meat and vegetables, this New Jersey adaptation focuses solely on the vegetables. The flavors are enhanced with the addition of herbs and spices commonly used in New Jersey cuisine, such as thyme and paprika. The dish also incorporates a tomato-based broth, which adds a tangy and savory element to the stew. We alse have the original recipe for Guvech, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 bell peppers, diced 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 27g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 7g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced carrots, diced bell peppers, and sliced zucchinis to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the New Jersey Style Vegetable Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchinis — Make sure to slice the zucchinis evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Diced tomatoes — If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can substitute them for the canned diced tomatoes for a fresher flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier version, you can add cooked beans or lentils to the stew.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preferences.
• Serve the stew with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the New Jersey Style Vegetable Stew as a main course, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in a rustic bowl or plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.