Exploring local Catalan food recipes…

As the weather gets colder, there is nothing better than indulging in home cooked simple (and healthy) comfort food. One of the things I love about traveling is exploring local food dishes… this is a vegetarian dish (vegan if you use vegan options) that I love 🙂

Catalan Vegetable Stew: Estofat de Quaresma (Serves 4 people)

Ingredients

250g Dried beans
2 Slices of fried bread
Olive oil
3 Onions, finely chopped
1 Head of garlic, separated into cloves and peeled
4 Tomatoes, seeded and grated or peeled, seeded and chopped
1 Sprig of fresh mint
2 Sprigs of parsley
2 Pounds red potatoes, washed and scrubbed (but unpeeled)
250g Fresh peas
Sea Salt and pepper
40g Butter

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 Directions:

Soak beans overnight in cold water and drain.

In a saucepan, saute briefly breadcrumbs in a small amount of oil over low heat; then add the onion, garlic, tomatoes, mint, parsley. Add about 1 liter of water and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes.

Add potatoes and simmer for about 15 minutes, adding a little more water if necessary.

Add the peas, stir well and simmer for about 15 minutes or until beans are tender. Salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the sprigs of parsley and mint, if desired, then add the butter.