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Today I decided to present you a simple, tasty and healthy recipe, full of essential nutrients for the harmonious development of children, but also extremely suitable for a balanced diet of adults.
This simple dish is actually a basic vegetable stew recipe, to which I will also add chicken, in order to obtain a complete meal, without having to prepare anything extra.
But, if you want to get a vegetarian meal, you can limit yourself to cooking a traditional vegetable stew using green peas, and if you have the possibility to make ease your cooking by using a Slow cooker, then your involvement requires a maximum of 10 minutes preparation.
Let’s see what it’s all about 🙂
How to cook Romanian Peas and Chicken Stew?
As I already told you, this peas stew is a versatile dish, so it is up to you if you choose to follow my recipe, and add chicken into the vegetable stew, or you decide to cook a vegetarian green peas stew. Since Sofia began to eat cooked food, I came to the conclusion that it is much easier to add meat into certain vegetable stew recipes, and this is how I achieved this peas and chicken stew, thus obtaining a complete main course, which includes both vegetables and meat, without having to cook something extra.
If you choose to cook a traditional vegetable stew, without meat, all you have to do is to use your favorite vegetables, add some extra green peas, and you will have a vegetarian peas stew in no time. I consider that in order to obtain a basic vegetable stew recipe, it is mandatory to use a few ingredients, such as:
- Onions – In my opinion, there is no stew recipe without onions. Through their unique taste and texture resulting from the cooking process, onions become a necessary and indispensable ingredient in traditional vegetable stew recipes, offering a unique aroma and a creamy texture to the final dish;
- Carrots – represents another indispensable ingredient for vegetable stew recipes, mainly due to their slightly sweet aroma, which practically completely changes the taste of the entire dish. A big advantage is that many children enjoy the taste of cooked carrots;
- Tomato Juice – You already know that I would prefer homemade tomato juice to the one bought in stores, but regardless of which of the two options you have, I recommend you to add this incredibly tasty sauce to vegetable stew recipes, because this will give an incredible taste to your dishes.
But, since today I chose to present a green peas stew recipe, the star ingredient in the dish will be green peas. As you already learned from the article dedicated to Food Preservation methods, I like to freeze freshly picked green peas, to be able to use them in the cold season or whenever I need them, by simply defrosting them. So, just like in the case of other vegetables or fruits, my recommendation would be to always choose fresh vegetables, but also the frozen or preserved in a jar (pre-boiled) ones are suitable to obtain peas stew, peas soup or maybe even an aperitif salad.
So, if you cook a peas stew recipe, adding the ingredients already outlined above, you will get a vegetarian main course that you can serve as such, or you can serve it as a side dish, next to a fish, such as grilled salmon, or next to meat-based dish, such as a crispy schnitzel recipe.
If you are looking for other homemade stew recipes with, you can take a look at the 20 minutes Chicken and Vegetables stew recipe or the Turkey Stew recipe, which were also cooker with the CrockPot Express Multicooker. The Potatoes Stew would be the perfect choice for vegetarian meal.
If you will do the same as me and add chicken to the vegetable stew with green peas, then this will certainly be the simplest option to obtain a complete meal, which contains both vitamins and minerals from vegetables, as well as proteins from meat, without having to prepare anything extra.
In certain areas of the country, Romanian peas and chicken stew is seasoned with dill, for extra taste. We are not dill lovers, so I didn’t add it to my recipe, but for those of you who want it, I recommend you to try it.
Slow cooker Peas and Chicken Stew
As I told you in other recipes presented here on the blog, I really like to cook different dishes using the Slow Cooking function. I don’t have a Slow cooker, but I have a Crockpot Express Multicooker, which allows me to cook using this cooking function, at a lower temperature. Thermomix owners can also cook using the Slow cooking function.
For those who do not have any of the mentioned cooking appliances, I recommend cooking in a larger pot, using a lower temperature. Certainly, the best option in the case of traditional cooking, on the stove, would be to use a cast iron pot, because it has many advantages, among which the most important to mention would be the fact that it cooks evenly, because its walls heat up evenly and thus, the food cooked in such a pot will be cooked perfectly!
I particularly like to use the slow cooking function because it allows me to add all the ingredients of a dish right from the beginning of the cooking process, without having to supervise the device while it is doing its job, and in addition, all the flavors and nutrients from the food you cook are kept there, inside the pot, nothing is lost by boiling. Thus, the final dish will be perfectly cooked, the flavors will combine harmoniously, and you will get a tasty and healthy meal, without effort.
I use the CrockPot Express Multicooker in many recipes, especially those with sauce, or in soup recipes. Whether I use the Slow cooking program or other preset pressure-cooking programs, my Multicooker is a must in my kitchen.
But let’s get back to our Peas and Chicken Stew recipe, which is extremely easy to make and super delicious and healthy. The ingredients that you need for this traditional vegetable stew with chicken are simple, but extremely healthy. Let’s take them one by one.
Romanian Peas and Chicken Stew Ingredients
Green peas
Often overlooked as just another vegetable, are in fact a nutritional powerhouse that significantly enhances the health benefits of a peas and chicken stew. These small but mighty legumes bring a host of advantages to your meal:
– Green peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, bone health, and overall body maintenance. This makes them particularly beneficial in vegetarian and vegan diets, but they are a healthy addition to any meal.
– The dietary fiber in green peas helps in maintaining good digestive health. Fiber aids in bowel regularity and supports a healthy gut microbiome. It also contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can help in managing weight.
– Green peas are rich in several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins. They also provide a good amount of iron, manganese, phosphorus, and folate. These nutrients play various roles in the body, from maintaining healthy blood cells to supporting the immune system.
– Peas contain high levels of antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
– The combination of protein and fiber in green peas can help in regulating blood sugar levels. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as it aids in slowing down sugar absorption in the bloodstream.
Adding green peas to your vegetable stew recipe not only enhances its flavor and texture but also significantly boosts its nutritional profile. These little green wonders are a testament to the power of plant-based ingredients, offering a range of health benefits from improved digestion to heart health and blood sugar regulation. So, the next time you enjoy a bowl of peas and chicken stew, remember that it’s not just a meal, but a nourishing experience for your body.
Onions
Onions, the humble yet essential kitchen staple, are more than just a flavor enhancer. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of onions can contribute to better heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers. They also contain prebiotic fibers, which are essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Carrots
Carrots add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the peas and chicken stew. They are famously rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, crucial for good vision, immune function, and skin health. Additionally, carrots offer a good dose of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion, and are a source of antioxidants like vitamin C and lutein.
Red Bell Pepper
Red bell peppers are not just for adding a pop of color; they are nutritional powerhouses. Exceptionally high in vitamin C, even more so than oranges, they help in boosting the immune system and repairing tissues. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin E, and folate, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast, the star protein of this peas and chicken stew, is an excellent source of lean protein, vital for muscle growth and repair. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin and vitamin B6, which are essential for energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Chicken breast is a healthier choice due to its low-fat content, making it ideal for a balanced diet.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice brings a tangy richness to the stew and is a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. It’s also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate. The cooking process increases the bio availability of lycopene, making it easier for the body to absorb.
Each ingredient in the peas and chicken stew plays a vital role, not just in creating a delicious dish, but also in providing a range of health benefits. From the immune-boosting powers of onions and red bell peppers to the vision-protecting qualities of carrots, the lean protein of chicken breast, and the heart-healthy lycopene in tomato juice, this stew is a true celebration of healthful eating. Including green peas in the description of the stew’s ingredients further emphasizes the dish’s overall nutritional value, making it an even healthier choice. It’s a testament to how a simple meal can be both nourishing and delightfully satisfying.
Check out other Stew Recipes!
Romanian Peas and Chicken Stew Recipe
As I already told you, I made this amazing chicken stew with peas by using the CrockPot Express Multicooker with the Slow cooking function. If you are looking for a super quick way to cook this peas stew using a pressure-cooking program, you can easily opt for the MEAT / STEW Program. Also, if you don’t have a Multicooker or a Slow cooker to ease your cooking, simply use a pot and adapt the cooking time, after following the steps presented in the recipe below.
Romanian Peas and Chicken Stew Recipe – a versatile recipe with a lot of nutrients
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot Express Multicooker OR Slow cooker Pot OR Iron-cast pot
- 1 Vegetable Grater
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pc yellow onion;
- 1 pc red onion;
- 1 pc carrot;
- 1 pc red bell pepper kapia pepper;
- 2 pcs chicken breasts;
- 400-500 g green peas;
- 250 ml Tomato Juice;
- 250 ml water;
- Salt;
- Black pepper;
- Sweet paprika;
- Vegetable Oil;
Instructions
- First, peel and wash your vegetables. Then, chop them or grate them. I used the Thermomix 5 SEC – Speed 5;
- Now, heat the Crockpot Express Multicooker by selecting the program BROWN/ SAUTEE for 15 min;
- Meanwhile, cut the chicken breasts into small pieces;
- Once the pot is heated, add 1 tbsp vegetables oil. Then, add the grated vegetables;
- Add salt, black pepper and paprika for your taste;
- Also, add the pieces of chicken breast; Add salt and black pepper;
- Once the program has ended, add the green peas and mix all the ingredients well;
- Then, add the tomato juice, the water (the ingredients must be cooked in liquid, but do not fill the pot with liquid!!!);
- Now, close the lid, select the Slow Cooking program, using High Temperature, for 3h 30 min;
- Once the cooking process is over, serve the peas and chicken stew warm.
TIP: If you like dill, you can garnish your stew with fresh dill, for extra flavor.
Nutrition
Romanian Green Peas and Chicken step-by-step Video Recipe
If you need help in following the steps from the recipe described above, feel free to watch the step-by-step video recipe for this amazing Peas and Chicken Stew.
I hope you made this amazing peas and chicken stew, because I am very curious to find out what you feel about it. So, please remember to share your thoughts, opinions and reviews in the comments section. Until the next easy and delicious recipe, I wish you all a great day with your loved ones. Bye 😊
