Vegetable stew with eggplant and peppers

A Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and Peppers is a hearty, comforting dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a wholesome meal. The combination of eggplant, peppers, and other vegetables, slowly cooked with spices, creates a delicious stew. Here's how to make it:

Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (optional for added protein)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Cut the eggplant into cubes and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness, then rinse and pat dry.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Eggplant:

   • Add the cubed eggplant to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it starts to soften and turn golden.

4. Add Peppers and Spices:

   • Stir in the diced bell peppers, zucchini, cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables.

5. Add Tomatoes and Broth:

   • Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth (or water), stirring to combine. If using chickpeas, add them now. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Adjust Seasoning:

   • Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
   • Serve with crusty bread, couscous, or rice for a complete meal.

Optional Variations:

• Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added greens.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of harissa or cayenne for extra heat.
• Top with Feta: Crumble feta cheese on top before serving for a tangy, creamy finish.

This vegetable stew is a great make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Enjoy!