Olla Gitana - Spanish Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup (200g) green beans, trimmed and halved 1 cup (200g) green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup (200g) chickpeas, cooked 1 cup (200g) chickpeas, cooked
• 1 cup (200g) white beans, cooked 1 cup (200g) white beans, cooked
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the carrots, potatoes, red bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, chickpeas, and white beans.
4. 4.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
5. 5.
   Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Olla Gitana hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpeas — If using canned chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly before adding to the stew to remove excess sodium.
• Smoked paprika — Opt for high-quality smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier version, you can add diced chorizo or bacon to the stew for a smoky and meaty flavor.
• Serve the Olla Gitana with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• This stew tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Olla Gitana in deep bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of freshness. Accompany the stew with warm crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the vegetables in an appealing manner, ensuring a variety of colors are visible. Drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top and sprinkle some smoked paprika for an added touch of elegance.