Romanian Green Pea Stew

Enjoy a hearty Romanian Green Pea Stew packed with veggies and flavor. Easy, healthy, and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

• 2 cups green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté vegetables: First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
2. Add carrots & bell pepper: Next, stir in carrots and bell pepper. Meanwhile, cook for 3–4 minutes while stirring occasionally.
3. Add potatoes and spices: After that, add potatoes along with paprika, thyme, and the bay leaf. This allows the flavors to develop fully.
4. Add peas & broth: Then, pour in the green peas and vegetable broth. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Season & finish: Finally, remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Afterwards, serve hot immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Stew:

• Additionally, use fresh peas for a sweeter taste; however, frozen peas work perfectly off-season.
• Moreover, mash a few potatoes into the stew if you prefer a creamier texture.
• Also, adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors significantly.
• Finally, serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Variations:

• Protein Boost: You can also add chickpeas, tofu cubes, or cooked lentils to increase protein.
• Meaty Version: Alternatively, stir in diced smoked sausage or shredded chicken for extra richness.
• Herb Twist: Additionally, try dill, marjoram, or rosemary to enhance the aroma.
• Spicy Version: Furthermore, add a pinch of chili flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

Benefits:

• Since peas are rich in protein and fiber, they help support digestion.
• Furthermore, this stew contains vitamins A, C, K, and folate, which boost immunity.
• Additionally, it is low in fat and heart-friendly.
• Therefore, it is perfect for a healthy, balanced meal for the entire family.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Per Serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Dietary Fiber: 6 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg

Kid-Friendly Version:

• For younger children, mash a portion slightly for a smoother texture.
• Additionally, add sweet corn, small pasta shapes, or colorful bell peppers to make it more appealing.
• Moreover, reduce paprika if your child prefers milder flavors.
• Finally, serve alongside soft bread or rice for a complete and enjoyable meal.