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A delightful mix of tender veggies simmered in herb-infused tomato sauce. This comforting dish brings together sweet peas, soft carrots, and fluffy potatoes in a way that'll take you back to traditional family meals.
I first tried this dish at my grandma's dinner table where she'd often make it for our big family. The fragrant tomato sauce coating the soft veggies always brought a warm feeling around the table.
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Garden Gems
- Fresh or frozen peas: their natural sweetness perfectly balances the tomato tang
- Fresh carrots: pick firm, shiny ones for better taste
- Potatoes: go for waxy types that hold their shape while cooking
- Fresh onions and garlic: key flavor builders for a tasty sauce
- Tomato sauce: use ripe seasonal tomatoes or good quality canned sauce
- Fresh herbs: thyme, bay leaf and parsley to flavor the dish
Kitchen Wonder
- Prep the basics:
- Finely chop onions and garlic to release their flavors. Let them sweat over low heat to build depth.
- Prep the veggies:
- Cut carrots into even rounds for balanced cooking. Dice potatoes into medium-sized cubes.
- The simmering trick:
- Gently mix all veggies into the tomato sauce. Let everything bubble on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Final touch:
- Check if veggies are done with a knife tip. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
Peas are my favorite part of this dish. Their natural sweetness adds a nice touch that works so well with the tangy tomato sauce. My family lovingly calls them the "green pearls" of the dish.
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Perfect Pairings
Crusty bread for sopping up sauce is a must. Serve with white rice, couscous or fresh pasta. A drizzle of olive oil and chopped fresh parsley add freshness when serving.
Creative Twists
Boost the dish with grilled eggplant, bell peppers or zucchini. For more protein, throw in chickpeas, lentils or chicken pieces. Play with spices as you like: smoky paprika, cumin or herbs de Provence.
Smart Storage
The dish keeps up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Warm up slowly, adding a splash of water if needed. To freeze, let it cool completely before dividing into single portions.
Chef Tips
- Cooking on very low heat:
- makes the sauce creamy and rich
- Add a pinch of sugar:
- to balance tomato acidity
- Use veggie cooking water:
- to adjust thickness
This dish has become a staple in my kitchen. Its simplicity hides deep flavors that always amaze me. It's the kind of meal that comforts and brings people together, great for any time of year.
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Getting Ready
- Peel and wash:
- all veggies thoroughly
- Cut:
- potatoes into even 2-3 cm cubes
Building The Base
- Heat up:
- olive oil over medium-low heat
- Cook:
- onions until see-through (5-7 minutes)
Creating Flavor
- Toss in:
- garlic and spices to lightly toast them
- Stir in:
- tomato sauce and simmer 3-4 minutes
Adding Veggies
- Put in:
- carrots and potatoes first
- Pour:
- hot broth just enough to cover the veggies
Main Cooking
- Simmer:
- covered for 15 minutes
- Add:
- peas and cook another 10 minutes
Health Benefits
- Carrots: give you beta-carotene for good eyesight
- Potatoes: provide complex carbs for energy
- Peas: pack plant protein and iron
My dad, a passionate gardener, taught me that carrots taste best when harvested after the first frost. This tip changed how I pick and enjoy them in this dish.
Tasty Companions
This dish goes great with homemade garlic croutons, a crisp green salad, and a glass of dry white wine. For a heartier meal, serve with herbed quinoa or bulgur.
Seasonal Switches
In spring, toss in green asparagus and fresh fava beans. Summer calls for cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Fall is perfect for sautéed button mushrooms. Winter works well with parsnips and celeriac.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I do to make this meal more filling?
- You can toss in pieces of meat when sautéing the onions at the start.
- → Can frozen veggies be swapped in?
- Definitely, frozen peas work great in this dish.
- → How long does this dish stay fresh?
- Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- → What should I use for a herb bundle?
- Tie together thyme, bay leaves, parsley, and rosemary for a great flavor boost.
- → How can I make this faster to prepare?
- Use a pressure cooker and dice the veggies smaller to speed up cooking.