Here’s a recipe for Stewed Courgettes with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers in Spicy Sauce—a flavorful and hearty dish that's perfect as a side or main course.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the vegetables:
- Slice the courgettes and dice the bell peppers.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the vegetables:
- Add the diced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add the sliced courgettes and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the tomatoes and spices:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet or pot.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the courgettes and bell peppers are tender and the flavors are well combined.
6. Garnish and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips:
- For additional flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce.
- Serve this dish over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
This Stewed Courgettes with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers in Spicy Sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that brings out the best of summer vegetables. Enjoy!
