Moldovan-style Potato Stew

Ingredients

In this Moldovan adaptation, the original Spanish Patatas a la riojana is transformed by incorporating Moldovan ingredients and flavors. The traditional Spanish chorizo is replaced with Moldovan smoked sausage, adding a distinct smoky flavor to the dish. Additionally, the spices used in the tomato base are adjusted to reflect the preferences of Moldovan cuisine, resulting in a slightly different flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Patatas a la riojana, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and diced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 300 g (10.5 oz) Moldovan smoked sausage, sliced 300 g (10.5 oz) Moldovan smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the sliced Moldovan smoked sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned and releases its oils.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano, and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the diced potatoes and canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Cover the pot and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. 6.
   Serve the Moldovan-style Potato Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Moldovan smoked sausage — If you can't find Moldovan smoked sausage, you can substitute it with any other smoky sausage variety, such as Polish kielbasa or Hungarian kolbász.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Serve the stew with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
• This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Moldovan-style Potato Stew as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in deep bowls to showcase the vibrant red tomato base.