Imagine a dish that captures the soul of Mediterranean cooking - rich, comforting, and bursting with vibrant flavors. This Catalan-style onion, potato, and eggplant stew is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey through the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain's northeastern region. With its deeply caramelized onions, tender eggplant, and hearty potatoes, this stew promises to warm your heart and tantalize your senses in ways you never expected.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Catalan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 eggplant, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and sauté until they are translucent and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the cubed eggplant and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to soften and brown slightly.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure to cover all the ingredients, and add the teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and eggplant are tender.
- Once the stew is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm vegetables for the best texture and flavor. Look for eggplants without blemishes and potatoes that are smooth and firm.
- Take your time caramelizing the onions - this is where the deep, rich flavor foundation of the stew begins. Don't rush this step!
- Use good quality vegetable broth and authentic Spanish paprika to enhance the authentic Catalan taste.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
- Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make an excellent garnish and add a bright, fresh note to the finished dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
