Spring Vegetable Stew

Recipe by: Laura Pensiero | from Hudson Valley Mediterranean: The Gigi Good Food Cookbook

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Leonardo Frusteri

The classic summer vegetable stew is often referred to as “ratatouille.” What could be better than cooked-down garden tomatoes, summer squash, eggplant, onions, garlic, and herbs? With its more delicate flavors, this spring stew eases us away from the root vegetables of fall and winter and toward a summer filled with bold flavors.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 large lemons, halved
4 medium artichokes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
9 small red potatoes (1 to 2 inches in diameter), quartered
½ cup dry white wine
3 cups vegetable or chicken stock or reduced-sodium broth
12 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and sliced on the diagonal into ¾-inch pieces
1 cup fresh or frozen peeled fava beans, thawed (see Notes)
1 cup shelled peas (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup snipped fresh chives
¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Shaved Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

Fill a large bowl with 1 quart of water, and squeeze 2 lemon halves into it. Add the squeezed lemon halves to the water.

Working with 1 artichoke at a time, bend back the outer leaves close to the base until they snap off where they break naturally. Discard the layers until the exposed leaves are pale green at the top and pale yellow at the base. Using a small sharp knife, trim the stem and the base until it is smooth and no dark green areas remain. Trim the leaves. Rub the base with the remaining lemon halves. Cut the artichoke lengthwise into 4 wedges. Using a small knife, cut out the choke and the small purple-tipped leaves; then halve again for a total of 8 wedges. Place the artichoke wedges in the lemon water.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. While the shallots are cooking, drain and rinse the artichokes. Add the artichokes and the potatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Pour in the wine and simmer until the liquid is reduced to a few spoonfuls, about 6 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Add half of the asparagus, fava beans, and peas, cover the skillet, and simmer the stew for 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining asparagùs, fava beans, and peas, 2 tablespoons of the chives, and 2 tablespoons of the parsley. Let the mixture simmer, partially covered, for about 4 minutes, or until the potatoes and artichokes are tender. Stir in the remaining herbs and the grated Grana Padano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with shaved Grana Padano.

High-quality frozen fava beans do not require any work. Add them to the soup after they have thawed out. If you buy fresh fava beans, cook the shelled beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, or until just tender. Drain, and cool in a bowl of ice water. Then drain, and peel off their tough outer skin (it should slip off easily).

Variations

• Add your favorite spring vegetable to this stew, such as sliced carrots or sugar snap peas.

• Add protein: this dish can quickly turn into a fricassee when some bite-size pieces of cooked chicken are added to the vegetables.

• Substitute thawed frozen artichokes for the fresh ones; it will cut down on the prep time considerably.

• Substitute basil and tarragon for the chives and parsley.

Notes

Serving Suggestion

Serve this delicious stew with crusty bread and some wedges of local cheese.

Leftovers

This stew would be delicious over pasta or served as the brothy base for roasted or grilled chicken and fish.

Nutrition

Loaded with folate, fiber, and flavor!

Economy

Chock-full of the season’s best vegetables, which cost less when purchased at their prime. Some frozen peas and artichokes can be mixed in with the fresh.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 1/8 teaspoon added salt per serving and does not include shaved Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese, for garnish.

Calories 471kcal (24%)

Calcium 171mg (17%)

Vitamin C 105mg (175%)

Vitamin A 49mcg RAE (2%)

Potassium 2016mg

Magnesium 186mg

Protein 21g

Sugar 8g

Fiber 20g