Discover the rich flavors of Rustic Provencal Stew, where juicy olives and aromatic herbs unite with tender veggies for a comforting, hearty meal.
Rustic Provencal Stew: A Symphony of Olives and Herbs
Introduction
Welcome to a culinary journey to the sunlit fields of Provence with our Rustic Provencal Stew. This hearty stew is an ode to the vibrant flavors and rustic charm of the French countryside. Characterized by the distinct aromas of fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and succulent olives, this dish is a perfect representation of Provencal cuisine. Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or seeking comfort on a chilly evening, this stew promises to deliver a symphony of tastes that embodies rustic elegance. Let's dive into this warm and inviting recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 400g (about 14 oz) canned whole tomatoes, with juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 200g (about 7 oz) of green and black olives, pitted and sliced
- 400g (about 14 oz) can of white beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by preparing all the vegetables. This means finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots and zucchini, and chopping the celery and bell pepper.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add More Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the vegetables start to soften.
Incorporate Zucchini and Cook: Add the sliced zucchini to the pot, stirring to combine. Let the vegetables cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring they are well-mixed and softened.
Tomato Base: Pour in the canned tomatoes, crushing them slightly with your hands as you add them to the pot. Follow with the tomato paste, stirring everything together.
Add Liquids: Pour in the broth and wine, stirring to combine. Raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a light simmer.
Season the Stew: Add the dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure that the herbs are evenly distributed.
Simmer: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew simmer for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Olives and Beans: After simmering, stir in the olives and white beans. Allow the stew to cook for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered, so that the flavors can meld and the stew thickens.
Final Touches: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Conclusion
This Rustic Provencal Stew is more than just a meal; it's a culinary embrace that captures the essence of Provençal cooking. The combination of hearty vegetables, aromatic herbs, and briny olives reflects the vibrant landscape and culinary traditions of southern France. By following this recipe, you're not just creating a dish, but crafting a warm experience that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Bon appétit!