Slow Cooker Mediterranean Vegetable Stew ๐ฅ
Overview:
If you’re seeking a hearty and flavorsome dish bursting with Mediterranean goodness, look no further than this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Vegetable Stew! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this stew combines the vibrant flavors of eggplants, zucchini, okra, and more, simmered slowly to perfection. And the best part? It’s vegan-friendly and oh-so-easy to make!
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 9 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 125.5
- Rating: โญโญโญโญ (4/5)
- Review Count: 3
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant ๐
- 2 zucchinis ๐ฅ
- 2 cups frozen okra
- 1 can tomato sauce ๐
- 1 onion ๐ง
- 1 cup diced tomatoes ๐
- 1 carrot ๐ฅ
- 1 cup vegetable broth ๐ฅฃ
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 garlic clove ๐ง
- 1/3 cup ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes ๐ถ๏ธ
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika ๐ถ๏ธ
Instructions:
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Preparation: Start by preparing your vegetables. Peel and dice the eggplant, zucchinis, onion, and carrot into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic clove.
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the diced eggplant, zucchinis, frozen okra, tomato sauce, diced onion, tomatoes, diced carrot, vegetable broth, raisins, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground turmeric, crushed red pepper flakes, ground cinnamon, and paprika. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Cooking: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low. Let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and aromatic stew.
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Check for Doneness: After 8 hours, check the vegetables for tenderness. They should be soft but still retain a slight crispness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your preference for vegetable texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is cooked to perfection, ladle it into bowls and serve piping hot. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with some crusty bread or fluffy couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe Notes:
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Customization: Feel free to customize this stew to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Storage: This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
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Alternative Cooking Method: If you’re short on time and don’t have 9 hours to spare, you can easily adapt this recipe for a regular pot on the stovetop. Simply follow the same instructions but cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, usually around 1-2 hours.
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Pairing Suggestions: This Mediterranean Vegetable Stew pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or a side of fluffy quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Slow Cooker Mediterranean Vegetable Stew. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
