Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of urdă cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes.
4. Add the can of diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried thyme to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the crumbled urdă cheese to the pot and stir until it is melted and well combined.
7. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing and boiling, low heat for simmering.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 190
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Urdă cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Any vegetables can be added or substituted based on personal preference.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or beef for a meatier version of the stew.
- Add a can of chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and texture.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the urdă cheese melt easier, crumble it into small pieces.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat until it is heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stew in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top of the stew for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve the stew with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stew is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
- If the stew is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the vegetables and cheese thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Urdă cheese is a traditional Romanian cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and cow's milk.
Flavor profiles:
- The stew has a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the urdă cheese and the vegetables.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stew as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Romanian