Baja Vegetable Stew Recipe
Description
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Baja California with this delectable Baja Vegetable Stew, perfect for those seeking a healthy, vegan option packed with nutrients. This recipe, lovingly crafted for the readers of lovewithrecipes.com, combines a medley of colorful vegetables and aromatic spices, resulting in a hearty stew that warms the soul and nourishes the body.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Category | Stew |
| Servings | 6 |
| Rating | 5/5 |
| Review Count | 11 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 221 |
| Total Fat | 4.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.1 mg |
| Sodium | 343.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 37.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g |
| Sugars | 8.2 g |
| Protein | 10.9 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red chili peppers | 2 |
| Olive oil | 4 teaspoons |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes | 3, chopped |
| Vegetable broth | 2 cups |
| Red bell pepper | 1, chopped |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1, chopped |
| Zucchini | 2, sliced |
| Corn | 1 cup, frozen or fresh |
| Black beans | 1 can, drained and rinsed |
| Kidney beans | 1 can, drained and rinsed |
| Cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh cilantro | 1 bunch, chopped |
| Lime wedge | For garnish |
| Avocado | 1, sliced |
Instructions
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Prepare the Chilies: Begin by roasting the red chili peppers in a skillet over high heat for about 20-30 seconds, allowing their flavors to deepen and enhance. Once they are roasted, remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it lays the flavor foundation for your stew.
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Add Garlic and Spices: Once the onions have reached a golden hue, introduce the minced garlic and cumin to the pot. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, ensuring that the garlic does not burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
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Incorporate the Base: Add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot, followed by the roasted chilies. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
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Blend the Stew: After simmering, it’s time to purée the soup. Using either a blender or a stick blender, carefully blend the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a silky texture, you can pour the puréed soup through a fine sieve, cheesecloth, or food mill to remove any larger bits.
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Cook the Vegetables: In a separate skillet, heat another 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers, sliced zucchini, and corn. Season this medley with salt and pepper to taste, cooking until the vegetables are tender—this should take about 4 minutes.
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Combine and Simmer: Once the bell peppers and zucchini are cooked, add them to the pot with the puréed broth mixture. Also, stir in the black beans and kidney beans. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the vegetables are warmed through and tender.
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Finish and Serve: To finish the stew, stir in the cider vinegar for a delightful tang that balances the flavors beautifully. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro, a wedge of lime, and slices of avocado for added creaminess and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Baja Vegetable Stew is delightful on its own but can also be served with warm tortillas, crusty bread, or over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice to make it a complete meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a nutritious option for gatherings, this stew is not just food; it’s a celebration of flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Enjoy sharing this recipe with family and friends, and indulge in the warmth and richness that only a hearty stew can provide. This Baja Vegetable Stew is sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.
