VEGETABLE STEW WITH EGGPLANT, POTATOES, AND TOMATO SAUCE

This hearty Romanian vegetable stew combines tender eggplants, golden potatoes, peppers, and aromatic herbs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Served with garlic sauce or vinegar and crusty toasted bread, it makes a comforting and satisfying meal.

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🕒 Prep Time: 30 min

🍳 Cook Time: 40 min
🍽️ Servings: 4 large portions (or more as a side dish)

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Ingredients

• 700 g eggplant, cut into cubes (with skin)
• 400 g onion, sliced
• 700 g potatoes, cubed
• 3-4 celery stalks (apio celery preferred, or regular celery)
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped roughly
• 400 g tomato sauce (200 g canned tomatoes + 200 g homemade tomato paste)
• 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves (or 150 ml vinegar with 1 tbsp sugar dissolved)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Slice eggplant, potatoes, bell pepper, celery stalks (thinly sliced), and onions (in thin strips).
2. In a large skillet, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom and sauté onions and celery with a pinch of salt over medium-low heat until onions are soft and slightly browned. Drain excess oil using a sieve.
3. Add more oil to the skillet and fry potatoes, stirring often, until cooked and golden. Transfer cooked potatoes to the pot with onions. Drain excess oil from the skillet.
4. Add more oil and fry eggplant cubes until tender. Transfer eggplants to the pot with onions and potatoes. Drain oil again.
5. Sauté bell pepper in a little oil until soft and drain. Add it to the pot with other vegetables.
6. In a separate saucepan, simmer tomato sauce with salt, pepper, and chopped basil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to reduce slightly.
7. Pour the tomato sauce over the sautéed vegetables, gently mix, and simmer on low for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
   If using vinegar instead of garlic, add it now with sugar gradually, tasting for desired tartness.
8. For garlic sauce: crush garlic cloves with salt and mix with a little water to make a concentrated garlic sauce (mujdei). Add to the stew and cook for 1 minute. Skip this step if using vinegar.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and vinegar if desired.
10. Serve warm with toasted bread.

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💡 Tips

• Salting and draining vegetables reduces excess oil absorption.
• Using a splatter guard prevents mess while frying.
• Gradually add vinegar to control acidity.
• Garlic sauce adds a traditional pungent kick, but vinegar offers a lighter tang.

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🍽️ Perfect For

• Traditional Romanian meals
• Vegetarian main courses or side dishes
• Hearty comfort food

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Romanian vegetable stew brings together fresh seasonal vegetables in a flavorful tomato base, enhanced by garlic or vinegar, offering a versatile and satisfying dish ideal for any season.