Albanian-Inspired Creamy Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

While the original German Schnüsch is a creamy vegetable stew, the Albanian-inspired version incorporates the unique flavors and spices of Albanian cuisine. The original dish typically includes ingredients like leeks, potatoes, and peas, while the Albanian adaptation adds bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. Additionally, the original German version often uses cream as a base, whereas the Albanian-inspired version uses a combination of yogurt and vegetable broth to achieve its creamy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Schnüsch, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups vegetable broth (946ml) 4 cups vegetable broth (946ml)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (240ml) 1 cup plain yogurt (240ml)
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 10g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced carrots, cubed potatoes, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour the yogurt mixture into the pot, stirring continuously to incorporate it into the stew.
5. 5.
   Add the frozen peas to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
6. 6.
   Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Albanian-inspired creamy vegetable stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Plain yogurt — Opt for a full-fat plain yogurt to achieve a creamy and rich texture in the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability.
• Serve the stew with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• If desired, you can sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the stew before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Albanian-inspired creamy vegetable stew in deep bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of freshness and added visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the stew, consider serving it in individual bread bowls. Hollow out small round loaves of bread, ladle the stew into the bread bowls, and garnish with parsley. This unique presentation adds a rustic charm to the dish.