Mariusz Lewandowski
Vivacious Venetian Vegetable Vignole: A Scrumptious Seasonal Italian Stew
Vivacious Venetian Vegetable Vignole is an authentic Italian spring vegetable stew originating from the Veneto region. This vibrant dish embraces the freshest seasonal vegetables, combined with aromatic herbs, tender artichokes, fava beans, and green peas. The result is a flavorful, nourishing, and colorful stew that epitomizes the essence of Italian countryside cuisine. This delicious vegetarian dish is perfect for any occasion and showcases the simplicity and elegance of Italian cookery.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 small artichokes, cleaned and quartered
– 1 cup shelled fava beans
– 1 cup fresh green peas
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 lemon, zest and juice
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional), for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Clean and quarter the artichokes, shell the fava beans, and fresh green peas. Dice the zucchini and chop the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Blend in the Vegetables:
Add the artichokes to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the fava beans, green peas, zucchini, and asparagus.
4. Add Liquids and Bring to Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable broth and white wine, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
5. Season and Finish:
Stir in the fresh mint and parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste, and add the lemon zest and juice. Allow the stew to cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend all the flavors.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the Vivacious Venetian Vegetable Vignole hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this colorful and healthy Italian stew with a crusty bread or over a bed of polenta for a complete meal.
This recipe for Vivacious Venetian Vegetable Vignole is a celebration of spring’s bountiful harvest, offering a delightful combination of fresh, earthy flavors that make every mouthful a pleasure. Buon appetito!
