If you’re craving something wholesome, vibrant, and delightfully comforting, then the Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. This dish captures the heart of Greek home cooking with its perfect balance of fresh green peas, tender vegetables, and fragrant dill, all simmered gently in a luscious tomato-infused broth. Whether you want a nourishing weekday meal or a soulful plate to share with friends, this stew brings together simple ingredients that transform into a deliciously satisfying experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each element is chosen not just for taste but also for how it contributes texture, color, and that unmistakable Greek flavor that makes this dish shine.
- Extra virgin olive oil (12 tablespoons): The golden foundation that enriches every bite with smooth, fruity depth and helps bring out the freshness of the veggies.
- Red onion, 1 medium (minced): Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic base that enhances the stew’s warmth.
- Garlic cloves, 2 large (finely chopped): Offers a pungent kick that awakens the palate without overpowering.
- Green peas, 700 grams (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient, providing a tender bite and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Potatoes, 500 grams (peeled and diced): Adds heartiness and makes the stew wonderfully comforting and filling.
- Zucchinis, 3-4 small (sliced): Brings a gentle, fresh flavor and soft texture as they cook down.
- Carrots, 2 medium (sliced): Sweetness and a slight crunch balance out the dish beautifully.
- Tomato paste, 3 teaspoons: Intensifies the stew’s rich, savory undertones with every spoonful.
- Ripe tomatoes, 2 medium (diced): Offer juiciness and natural tang that brighten the entire stew.
- Fresh dill, 2-3 tablespoons (chopped): The herb that truly ties the dish to its Greek roots, infusing lively herbal notes.
- Sea salt to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors just right.
- Hot water or vegetable stock, 400 ml: The liquid base which melds the ingredients together, creating that perfect hearty broth.
How to Make Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Olive Oil
Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over moderate heat. This creates the fragrant base that will carry all the flavors of the stew. Great-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference here, so don’t skimp!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add your minced red onion and finely chopped garlic to the pot. Cook them until they soften and become translucent, filling your kitchen with that inviting scent. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor foundation for everything that follows.
Step 3: Introduce the Vegetables
Next, toss in the potatoes, zucchini, green peas, and carrots. Let them cook for about five minutes while gently stirring, allowing their flavors to meld and soften just a bit before the next stage.
Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste
Now, stir in the tomato paste and cook it for a minute. This quick step helps concentrate the tomato’s tangy depth and enhances the stew’s rich, red color.
Step 5: Add Fresh Tomatoes and Season
Pour in the diced ripe tomatoes and sprinkle sea salt to taste. Mix everything together well, making sure the salt evenly enhances each ingredient’s flavor.
Step 6: Pour in Hot Water or Stock and Simmer
Slowly add the hot water or vegetable stock, then bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer. This liquid softens the vegetables fully, creating a beautiful stew consistency that’s neither too thin nor too thick.
Step 7: Cover and Cook on Low Heat
Place a lid on your pot and let the stew simmer quietly for 40 to 50 minutes. This slow cooking makes sure all your vegetables become tender and flavors marry perfectly without losing their integrity.
Step 8: Add Final Touches with Olive Oil and Dill
Once the veggies are tender, stir in the remaining olive oil and freshly chopped dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This final flourish brings freshness and richness that make this Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 9: Let it Rest
Allow the stew to stand for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting step helps the flavors settle and deepens the overall taste experience.
How to Serve Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or a few grinds of black pepper brightens the presentation and boosts the herbal aroma. A drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving can also add a luscious sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this stew with crusty bread for dipping or a simple Greek salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside some feta cheese and olives to amp up the Mediterranean vibe, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick. For a festive touch, pile it over fluffy couscous or creamy polenta to create a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making it a fantastic next-day meal to look forward to.
Freezing
You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or stock if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Avoid microwaving if you can, as slow reheating preserves texture best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green peas for this Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are a great substitute and retain most of their lovely sweetness and texture while making preparation faster.
Is this stew vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian, especially if you use vegetable stock or just water as the cooking liquid.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, green beans, or even spinach. Just adjust cooking times to keep everything tender and balanced.
What’s the best way to serve the stew for a dinner party?
Serve it in pretty bowls with fresh herbs on top and accompanied by warm crusty bread. You can also offer lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their stew for a bright, fresh twist.
How can I make the stew more filling?
Add cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes either stirred into the stew or served on the side to create a more substantial dish.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe feels like sharing a warm hug from a friend. It’s a humble yet deeply flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients working together in perfect harmony. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover why this stew remains such a beloved classic in Greek kitchens worldwide!
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Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional Greek Green Peas Stew is a hearty and wholesome vegetable dish featuring fresh or frozen green peas, potatoes, zucchinis, and carrots simmered in a flavorful tomato base with fresh dill and plenty of olive oil. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked until tender, this comforting stew offers a taste of authentic Greek home cooking.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium red onion (minced)
- 2 large garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 700 grams green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 500 grams potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 3–4 small zucchinis (sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes (diced)
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
Pantry Items
- 12 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 teaspoons tomato paste
- Sea salt to taste
- 400 ml hot water or vegetable stock
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over moderate heat to prepare the base for the stew.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the minced red onion and finely chopped garlic to the pot and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced zucchinis, green peas, and sliced carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes to combine flavors and slightly soften the vegetables.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute to deepen the tomato flavor in the stew.
- Add tomatoes and season: Mix in the diced ripe tomatoes and season with sea salt to taste, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Add liquid and simmer: Pour in the hot water or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook vegetables: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, letting the stew simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Finish with olive oil and dill: Stir in the remaining olive oil and chopped fresh dill, adjusting seasoning if necessary to balance flavors.
- Rest before serving: Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew stand for 15 minutes to meld flavors before serving warm.
Notes
- This stew can be made with fresh or frozen green peas depending on availability.
- Using vegetable stock instead of water enhances the flavor of the stew but is optional.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or fresh herbs according to taste preferences.
- Letting the stew rest before serving allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
