If you’re looking to bring a comforting, wholesome taste of the Mediterranean to your table, the Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe is a must-try. This delightful stew combines tender green peas, fresh vegetables, and fragrant dill with rich tomato and olive oil flavors for a dish that feels like a warm embrace in every bite. It’s a celebration of simplicity and freshness that’s been enjoyed for generations in Greek kitchens, perfectly balancing hearty textures and bright, earthy notes. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce with authentic, homey flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients, each playing an essential role in crafting the stew’s vibrant taste and inviting texture. From the silky softness of tender potatoes to the subtle sweetness of fresh carrots and zucchinis, every component shines through, making this dish truly special.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use 12 tablespoons for a rich, fruity base that elevates every flavor in the stew.
- Red onion (minced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- Garlic cloves (finely chopped): Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth.
- Green peas (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient offering a sweet, tender bite filled with vegetal freshness.
- Potatoes (peeled and diced): Provide hearty body and creaminess as they cook down.
- Zucchinis (sliced): Bring a mild flavor and a lovely contrasting texture.
- Carrots (sliced): Add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the stew.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and deepens the stew’s color.
- Ripe tomatoes (diced): Offer fresh acidity and juicy brightness.
- Fresh dill (chopped): Brings a fragrant, herbaceous finish that’s classically Greek.
- Sea salt: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Hot water or vegetable stock: About 400 ml to create a flavorful, light broth that binds everything together.
How to Make Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming the generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over moderate heat. This rich oil forms the flavor foundation, so be sure not to rush this step.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the minced red onion and finely chopped garlic to the hot oil. Gently cook them until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aromas that will perfume the entire stew.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced zucchinis, green peas, and sliced carrots. Allow them to mingle and cook together for about five minutes, which helps them start absorbing the olive oil and releasing their natural flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomato Paste
Mix in the tomato paste and cook it for a minute, stirring frequently. This step intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a beautiful depth of color to the dish.
Step 5: Add the Diced Tomatoes and Seasoning
Pour in the diced ripe tomatoes and season the mixture with sea salt. Stir everything well to combine the fresh, juicy acidity of the tomatoes with the warmed vegetables.
Step 6: Pour in Hot Water or Vegetable Stock
Carefully add the hot water or vegetable stock to the pot. This creates the flavorful broth that will cook the vegetables until tender. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 7: Simmer Gently Covered
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew simmer quietly for 40 to 50 minutes. During this time, the vegetables soften wonderfully, and all the flavors meld beautifully into a hearty, comforting mixture.
Step 8: Add Final Touches
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the remaining olive oil and freshly chopped dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. These final ingredients add brightness and silkiness to the stew right before serving.
Step 9: Let the Stew Rest
Turn off the heat and allow the stew to stand for 15 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors deepen and gives the stew an even better texture.
How to Serve Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the fresh, herbal flavors of the stew, garnish with an extra sprinkle of chopped dill or a drizzle of your best olive oil. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a zesty kick right before eating.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty rustic bread that’s perfect for soaking up the broth. Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad for a refreshing contrast, or enjoy with some feta cheese to enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in small terracotta bowls to bring out its traditional roots, or ladle it over a bed of fluffy rice or bulgur wheat to turn it into a more substantial meal. Adding a dollop of creamy yogurt on top also balances the acidity and adds a cooling sensation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and avoid moisture loss.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover stew for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the stew over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or stock can help revive the broth’s consistency and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas for this Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly when fresh ones aren’t available and retain great texture and flavor once cooked in the stew.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan option for this stew?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable stock and no animal products. It’s a nourishing and hearty option for anyone avoiding meat or dairy.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh dill?
If fresh dill is unavailable, you can use dried dill (in smaller quantities) or substitute with fresh parsley for a different but still delightful herbal note.
Can I add protein to this stew?
While the stew shines on its own, you can enrich it by adding cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and texture without overpowering the traditional flavors.
How thick should the stew be?
The Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe should have a broth-like but slightly thickened consistency, with tender vegetables suspended in a flavorful, light tomato broth. It’s not overly thick but pleasantly hearty.
Final Thoughts
This Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting taste of Greek heritage that’s easy to make and delightful to share. Its rustic charm and fresh, wholesome ingredients make it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. I encourage you to try it out, savor each spoonful, and maybe even make it a new family favorite!
Print
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
A hearty and traditional Greek stew featuring fresh green peas, potatoes, zucchinis, and carrots simmered in a rich tomato and olive oil base, flavored with fresh dill. This wholesome dish is perfect as a comforting vegetarian meal, showcasing simple, fresh ingredients with authentic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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)
- 1 medium red onion (minced)
- 2 large garlic cloves (finely chopped)
Liquids & Oils
- 12 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 400 ml hot water or vegetable stock
Other Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 12 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over moderate heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the minced red onion and finely chopped garlic to the pot and cook until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced zucchinis, green peas, and sliced carrots. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and vegetables to start softening.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Mix in 3 teaspoons of tomato paste and cook for one minute to enhance the stew’s depth of flavor.
- Add fresh tomatoes and salt: Stir in the diced ripe tomatoes and season the mixture with sea salt to taste, ensuring even seasoning.
- Add liquid and simmer: Pour in 400 ml of hot water or vegetable stock, stir well, and bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
- Cook covered: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 40-50 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and flavors have developed fully.
- Finish with olive oil and dill: Stir in the remaining olive oil along with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Rest before serving: Allow the stew to stand for 15 minutes off the heat to let the flavors deepen before serving warm.
Notes
- This stew can be made with fresh or frozen green peas depending on availability.
- Vegetable stock adds extra flavor, but hot water is a great substitute if you prefer a lighter stew.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially if using vegetable stock with salt content.
- Letting the stew rest before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of rice.
