Imagine a hearty, colorful dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking in one single pot - welcome to Tourlou, the Greek vegetable stew that will revolutionize your culinary experience! Bursting with vibrant vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich, soul-warming sauce, this recipe is more than just a meal - it's a journey through the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece. Whether you're a vegetarian, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who loves incredibly delicious food, this Tourlou stew will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling (if necessary), and chopping them into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in the stew.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The olive oil should shimmer but not smoke, indicating the right temperature for sautéing.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes. This builds a flavor foundation for the stew.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can create a bitter taste.
- Add carrots and bell peppers to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes to begin softening the vegetables and developing their natural sweetness.
- Incorporate diced eggplant and zucchini, stirring to ensure even coating with oil and initial cooking.
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, creating a rich, moist base for the stew.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the vegetables simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender but not mushy, and the stew has thickened slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The stew should have a harmonious blend of vegetable flavors.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and the stew to cool slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and accompanied by crusty bread or rice.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables for the most authentic flavor and best texture.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for a more authentic Greek taste.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - allowing onions and garlic to caramelize builds deeper flavor.
- Low and slow cooking is key to developing rich, melded flavors.
- Let the stew rest after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Serve with a good quality crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For added protein, you can optionally stir in some crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
