Romanian Green Pea Stew, or Mâncare de Mazăre, is a classic dish that embodies the comforting and flavorful essence of Romanian cuisine. This simple yet delicious stew is made with fresh green peas, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory tomato sauce. It’s often enjoyed as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Packed with healthy ingredients, this stew is a perfect way to celebrate the freshness of peas and the warmth of traditional Romanian flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Romanian Green Pea Stew is both comforting and nourishing. The peas cook until tender in a savory tomato-based sauce, enriched with garlic, onions, and herbs. The combination of these ingredients creates a deeply flavorful dish that is light yet filling. The stew is easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals. It can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside other Romanian staples, such as mămăligă (cornmeal porridge) or crusty bread. Whether you’re a fan of Romanian cuisine or looking for a new, healthy dish to add to your repertoire, this stew is sure to win your heart.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 3 cups frozen or fresh green peas
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and chopped bell pepper. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and become soft.
- Add the green peas to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth (or water), dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Meat: You can add chunks of smoked sausage, bacon, or ham to the stew for a heartier dish. Simply cook the meat with the onions at the start of the recipe.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili for some heat.
- Add Potatoes: For extra heartiness, add diced potatoes to the stew and cook them along with the peas.
- Herb Variations: You can experiment with different herbs such as dill or bay leaves for a unique flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: If you want to make the dish fully plant-based, be sure to use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The stew can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the stew. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen peas?
Fresh or frozen peas are preferred for the best texture and flavor, but if you use canned peas, make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the stew.
2. Can I use other types of beans instead of peas?
Yes, you can substitute green peas with other beans such as chickpeas, kidney beans, or white beans. Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the type of bean you choose.
3. Can I make this dish without tomatoes?
While tomatoes add richness and depth to the stew, you can omit them and replace them with a bit of tomato paste or vegetable broth for added flavor.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Romanian Green Pea Stew is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels of any broth or canned ingredients to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
6. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the peas are tender.
7. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes, fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and oregano can be used in place of dried herbs. Use about 2-3 times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.
8. Can I make this stew spicier?
To make the stew spicier, you can add red pepper flakes, hot paprika, or fresh chilies to the recipe. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
9. How do I make the stew more filling?
To make the stew heartier, you can add diced potatoes, rice, or even some pasta to the dish. These ingredients will absorb the flavors of the stew and make it a more filling meal.
10. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth if you prefer, though the dish will no longer be vegetarian. It will still add a rich, savory flavor to the stew.
Conclusion
Romanian Green Pea Stew (Mâncare de Mazăre) is a wholesome and comforting dish that highlights the simple, fresh ingredients of traditional Romanian cuisine. The tender peas, sweet vegetables, and savory tomato base come together in a flavorful stew that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal on its own or as a side dish with a larger meal, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy the authentic taste of Romanian home cooking!
Print
Romanian Green Pea Stew (Mâncare de Mazăre)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Romanian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Romanian Green Pea Stew, or Mâncare de Mazăre, is a comforting and flavorful dish made with fresh peas, tender vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce. Packed with healthy ingredients and aromatic herbs, this stew is perfect for a light, nutritious meal or a hearty side dish. Easy to prepare and full of traditional Romanian flavors, this dish will quickly become a favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 3 cups frozen or fresh green peas
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and chopped bell pepper. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and become soft.
- Add the green peas to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth (or water), dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The stew can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the stew. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
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