Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew Recipe

Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew Recipe: Bulgarian red pepper stew is a delicious and hearty dish that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Bulgaria. This recipe blends flavorful ingredients like dried lentils, vibrant red peppers, and aromatic spices, resulting in a meal that warms the soul.

This stew not only satisfies your hunger but also brings a taste of Bulgarian culture to your kitchen.

We’ve traveled extensively and learned that this stew is often enjoyed as a comforting favorite during colder months. Its nutritional ingredients, such as lentils and beans, provide a healthy balance while the peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor.

We’ve found that making this dish is a delightful way to explore new flavors and textures.

Join us as we guide you through our favorite recipe for Bulgarian red pepper stew. With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll soon be creating this comforting dish at home, perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew Recipe

We love this Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew for many reasons. First, the vibrant flavors from fresh bell peppers make each bite delicious.

The combination of roasted peppers, lentils, and navy beans creates a hearty and satisfying dish.

This stew is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Lentils and navy beans provide protein and fiber, helping us feel full and energized. Plus, it is vegetarian-friendly!

Another great aspect is its versatility. We can enjoy it as a main dish, or serve it with plain nonfat yogurt for a creamy touch. Swirling in yogurt adds a nice contrast to the stew’s warmth without overpowering the flavors.

Additionally, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. We can make a big batch and store the leftovers. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Finally, it’s easy to make, with simple ingredients we often have on hand. This means we can whip up a comforting meal with no fuss. Enjoying this wholesome stew connects us to the rich culinary traditions of Bulgaria, making it a joy to share with others.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew is a wonderful dish with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients.

One of the standout aspects is the blend of fresh herbs. We use basil, marjoram, and thyme, each adding a unique aroma and taste. These herbs create a fragrant base that enhances the dish.

The use of paprika provides a distinct flavor, giving the stew its signature warmth. It adds a beautiful color and depth, making each serving inviting.

Dried lentils are a key ingredient, adding protein and heartiness to the stew. They absorb flavors well, which makes every bite satisfying. Combined with navy beans, they offer a nutritious mix that is filling and comforting.

The sautéing of onions in wine or stock brings a rich sweetness. This step builds a solid foundation for the flavors to develop.

We also appreciate the flexibility of this recipe. You can adjust spices like cayenne to meet your taste preference.

Each ingredient contributes to a well-balanced dish that is both healthy and delicious. We believe this is what makes Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew special.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To make Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew, we need some basic kitchen equipment. Here’s a list to help you prepare:

• Large Nonstick Saucepan: This is essential for sautéing and simmering the stew without sticking.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for chopping onions and peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting vegetables quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups: To accurately measure lentils, beans, and liquids.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients while cooking.
• Colander: To drain the lentils and beans after soaking.
• Lid: A lid for the saucepan to cover the stew while it simmers, helping it cook evenly.

Optional tools we find helpful include:

• Vegetable Peeler: For peeling if you choose to use carrots or other vegetables in the stew.
• Blender or Food Processor: If we want to puree the stew for a smoother texture, though this is not traditional.

Gathering these items ensures we have everything ready to create a delicious stew. Happy cooking!

Cooking Instructions

To make our delicious Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew, follow these steps:

1. Preparation of Lentils and Beans
   Cover 1/2 cup of dried lentils and 1/2 cup of navy beans with water.
   Soak them for about 4 hours or overnight.
   Drain them before cooking.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables
   In a large nonstick saucepan, add 2 chopped onions and sauté in vegetable stock or sherry until soft, about 5 minutes.
   Next, add 6 chopped red bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes.
3. Adding Seasonings
   Stir in 2 teaspoons of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of marjoram, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for an additional minute.
4. Combining Ingredients
   Pour in 4 cups of vegetable stock.
   Add the drained lentils and beans along with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well.
5. Simmering the Stew
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
   Make sure the lentils and beans are tender.
6. Finishing Touch
   Before serving, chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top to add flavor.

Enjoy our hearty Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew!

Cooking Tips

When making Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew, we recommend using fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:

• Soaking Beans: We soak the lentils and navy beans for 4 hours or overnight. This helps them cook evenly.
• Sautéing: Start by sautéing onions in sherry or stock. This adds depth of flavor to the stew. Cook until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
• Herbs and Spices: Use plenty of cayenne, salt, and black pepper for a balanced taste. Adjust these according to your preference. Fresh or dried parsley can also brighten up the dish.
• Cooking Liquid: We often use a mix of stock, wine, or sherry. Pour in enough liquid to cover the ingredients, about 3.5 cups. If the stew gets too thick, add more water or stock.
• Simmering: Let the stew simmer for about 1.5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
• Final Seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper. This is crucial for a well-balanced dish.

Ingredients For the Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew Recipe:

Lentils, dried
Beans
Onions
Olive Oil
Bell Peppers
Basil
Marjoram
Cayenne Pepper
Salt
Ground Black Pepper
Vegetable Stock
Red Wine
Tomato Paste
Parsley

Cooking Instructions For the Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew Recipe:

Preparing the Lentils and Beans

Soak the lentils and navy beans in plenty of water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drain.

Cooking the Stew

In a large nonstick saucepan, sauté the onions in sherry, red wine, or stock for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in basil, marjoram, thyme, cayenne, and paprika, then sauté for a few more minutes to release their flavors. Pour in the remaining stock, wine, or sherry, followed by the drained lentils and beans. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 1 ½ hours until the beans are tender.

Finishing and Serving

Stir in the tomato paste, prune juice, salt, and pepper to taste, cooking for a few more minutes. If the stew becomes too thick, add more stock or water as needed. Serve hot, garnished with yogurt and chopped parsley.

FAQ For the Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew Recipe

Question: What ingredients are needed for a Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe?
A: A Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe typically includes red peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, paprika, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Some variations may also include potatoes or beans for added texture.

Question: How do you make a Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe?
A: To make a Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add chopped red peppers and tomatoes. Season with paprika and simmer until the vegetables soften. Some versions include potatoes or beans for a heartier dish.

Question: Can a Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe be made vegan?
A: Yes, a Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe can easily be made vegan by using plant-based ingredients. The traditional recipe already consists mostly of vegetables, and you can enhance it with chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.

Question: What is the best way to serve a Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe?
A: A Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe is best served warm with crusty bread or over rice. It can also be garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt for added texture and taste.

Question: How long does a Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe last in the fridge?
A: A Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave before serving.

Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew Recipe

Roasted red peppers stewed with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, simmered until thick and velvety, creating a dish bursting with smoky sweetness, subtle spice, and rich, slow-cooked depth that pairs beautifully with crusty bread.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Bulgarian

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 1110 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cup Lentils dried
• 2 cup Navy or kidney beans dried
• 6 Onions chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 24 Bell Peppers red seeded and chopped
• 2 tsp. Basil dried
• 4 tsp. Marjoram dried
• 1/4 tsp. Thyme dried
• 2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
• 4 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 Ground Black Pepper
• 24 cups Vegetable Stock or water
• 1 1/4 cup Red Wine dry
• 24 oz Tomato Paste
• 8 tbsp Parsley chopped fresh

Instructions

 

Preparing the Lentils and Beans

• Soak the lentils and navy beans in plenty of water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drain.

Cooking the Stew

• In a large nonstick saucepan, sauté the onions in sherry, red wine, or stock for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in basil, marjoram, thyme, cayenne, and paprika, then sauté for a few more minutes to release their flavors. Pour in the remaining stock, wine, or sherry, followed by the drained lentils and beans. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 1 ½ hours until the beans are tender.

Finishing and Serving

• Stir in the tomato paste, prune juice, salt, and pepper to taste, cooking for a few more minutes. If the stew becomes too thick, add more stock or water as needed. Serve hot, garnished with yogurt and chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 1110kcalCarbohydrates: 197gProtein: 50gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 8947mgPotassium: 5019mgFiber: 67gSugar: 73gVitamin A: 30237IUVitamin C: 984mgCalcium: 392mgIron: 23mg

Keyword Vegetables

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