Description
Ciambotta is a comforting Italian vegetable stew packed with fresh eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and peppers simmered in a savory tomato broth. This hearty, rustic dish captures the essence of summer vegetables in a simple yet flavorful stew, perfect for a wholesome meal that highlights classic southern Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 eggplant, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, medium, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into ½-inch pieces
Other Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
- 1 can chopped tomatoes (typically 14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop a flavorful base for the stew.
- Add potatoes and cook: Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to start softening and absorb flavor.
- Incorporate tomato paste and oregano: Stir in the tomato paste and dried oregano, cooking for about a minute to fully release their aromas and deepen the stew’s flavor.
- Add remaining vegetables and liquids: Add the chopped eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, chicken broth (or water), and canned chopped tomatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and add more salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Add fresh parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and fresh herbal notes.
- Serve hot: Ladle the ciambotta into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired for an inviting presentation and added freshness.
Notes
- Cut vegetables uniformly into ½-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Simmering allows flavors to blend beautifully and vegetables to soften perfectly.
- Adjust salt and seasonings to taste throughout cooking and before serving.
- Fresh parsley garnish enhances the flavor and adds a lovely pop of color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
