Ingredients
Vegetables
- 200 g Beetroot, including stems and leaves
- 100 g Carrots
- 70 g Baby Potatoes
- 50 g Onions
- 100 g Plum tomatoes
- 5 g Garlic (one clove)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp Rose harissa
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds
- 6 Peppercorns
- 1 tsp Salt
Liquids and Oils
- 500 ml Vegetable Stock
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Optional Garnish
- 2 tbsp Vegan Yoghurt
- 50 g Crispy chickpeas (boiled chickpeas mixed with oil and cumin powder, then roasted)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Finely chop the onion and garlic to release their flavors during cooking.
- Prepare the beetroot: Peel and cut the beetroot into quarters, also chopping the stems and leaves for later use.
- Prep the carrots: Wash and cut the carrots lengthwise in half, then slice into thin approximately 1mm slices for even cooking.
- Prep the potatoes: Cut the baby potatoes in half to ensure they cook evenly along with the other vegetables.
- Prepare the tomatoes: Roughly chop the plum tomatoes to add texture and depth to the stew.
- Heat the pot: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the bay leaf and whole peppercorns to infuse the oil with aroma.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot and fry until they become soft and fragrant, forming a flavor base.
- Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in the coriander seeds, then add the chopped tomatoes. Fry the tomatoes for about 2 minutes to release their juices.
- Add beetroot and stock: Introduce the beetroot pieces, vegetable stock, and salt. Cover the pot and bring it to a hard boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until beetroot is almost tender—check by poking with a knife.
- Add carrots and potatoes: Stir in the carrots and potatoes, then cook for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through, checking similarly with a knife.
- Finish stew with stems and harissa: Add the chopped beetroot stems and rose harissa, then simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare crispy chickpeas (optional): For garnish, toss boiled chickpeas with a dash of oil and cumin powder or your chosen spice. Roast in an oven preheated to 180ºC (350ºF) for 10 minutes on a baking tray until crispy.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, adding a dollop of vegan yoghurt and sprinkle crispy chickpeas on top if using, for added flavor contrast and texture.
Notes
- Check the tenderness of the beetroot and potatoes by piercing them with a knife; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Rose harissa adds gentle heat and floral notes – adjust amount according to spice preference.
- The crispy chickpeas add texture and depth; similarly, vegan yoghurt adds creaminess, making them highly recommended but optional.
- Use fresh vegetable stock for best flavor, or vegetable broth could be substituted.
- This stew can be reheated and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan