This Romanian Green Pea Stew is a hearty and wholesome dish that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Packed with fiber-rich peas, colorful vegetables, and plant-based protein, it’s low in saturated fat yet full of flavor.
Quick to prepare and easily adaptable, it’s perfect for everyday meals, meal prep, or warming up chilly fall and winter evenings with a satisfying, wholesome stew.
Romanian Green Pea Stew
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan (about 2–3 liters)
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
- 1 small bowl (for cornstarch mixture)
Ingredients
- 500 g 1 lb frozen peas or 800g (28 oz) canned green peas
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ⅓ cup celery root diced
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 tsp 3g paprika
- 500 ml 2 cups vegetable stock or water
- 180 g 3/4 cup tomato puree
- 1 tbsp 15g soy sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp 16g cornstarch or flour
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 –2 tbsp cooking oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by washing and peeling your vegetables as needed. Dice the onion finely, mince the garlic cloves, cut the celery root into small cubes, chop the carrot into uniform pieces, and dice the red bell pepper. Having all your ingredients prepped ensures an even cook and a smooth workflow when you start cooking.
- Heat the Pan and Oil: Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Allow the oil to warm until it shimmers slightly but does not smoke. This step is crucial to prevent the vegetables from sticking and to bring out the natural sweetness of the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula to avoid burning. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This base layer of flavor is essential for a rich, well-rounded stew.
- Add Root Vegetables and Bell Pepper: Once the onions are soft, add the diced carrot, celery root, and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir thoroughly to coat them in the oil and onions. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while still retaining some bite, which will enhance the stew’s texture.
- Incorporate Paprika and Peas: Sprinkle in the paprika and stir immediately to combine. Add the frozen peas at this stage, stirring gently to mix them with the vegetables. If you’re using canned peas, hold them aside until the vegetables are fully tender, as their softer texture requires less cooking. This step releases the paprika’s aroma and integrates the sweet flavor of the peas.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable stock (or water) and tomato puree. Stir in the soy sauce, if using, followed by salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the chopped parsley and dill. Mix everything well to ensure the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. This forms the flavorful broth of the stew.
- Simmer to Tenderize: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow the stew to simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the carrots, celery root, and peppers are tender when pierced with a fork. Simmering slowly helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Prepare the Thickening Mixture: While the stew is simmering, combine the cornstarch (or flour) with the milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This mixture will thicken the stew and give it a creamy, comforting texture.
- Incorporate the Creamy Mixture: Gradually pour the cornstarch and milk mixture into the simmering stew, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the stew from the heat and allow it to rest for a minute. Serve hot alongside freshly baked bread, pickles, or your choice of protein, such as chicken, fish, sausages, or red meat. Garnish with extra dill or parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch. This stew is perfect for cozy meals, meal prep, or sharing with family and friends.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh or frozen vegetables rather than canned when possible. Frozen peas work well and retain their sweetness, while fresh root vegetables add a natural depth.
- If using canned peas, drain them but reserve a bit of the liquid to enhance the stew’s texture. Reduce the stock slightly to balance the overall consistency.
- Paprika can be sweet or smoked depending on your preference. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the natural sweetness of the peas and vegetables.
- Stirring constantly when adding the cornstarch-milk mixture ensures a smooth, creamy texture without lumps. If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute part of the milk with plant-based cream.
- Adjust seasoning at the end. The freshness of herbs like dill and parsley can brighten the flavors, so add extra just before serving if desired.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Stew
The secret to a truly flavorful pea stew lies in layering the flavors.
Start by sautéing the onion and garlic slowly to release their natural sweetness before adding the vegetables.
Use a combination of fresh herbs like dill and parsley for aroma and brightness.
When thickening with the cornstarch-milk mixture, always stir continuously to avoid clumps and ensure a silky texture.
Additionally, letting the stew rest for a few minutes off the heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
This stew is versatile and can be served as a main or side dish.
Pair it with freshly baked rustic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or serve alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or pan-seared sausages for a heartier meal.
A crisp side salad or pickled vegetables adds a refreshing contrast.
For a cozy family dinner, top with extra fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
Storage Tips For Freshness
Romanian Green Pea Stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months; allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable stock to restore the original consistency.
Avoid reheating in high heat to maintain the creamy texture of the stew.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Yes, canned peas work well, but add them after the other vegetables have softened. Reduce the added stock slightly, and use some of the can’s liquid for extra flavor.
2. Can this stew be made vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based milk such as oat or soy milk for the regular milk. Ensure the butter or oil used is plant-based if your recipe calls for it.
3. How thick should the stew be?
The stew should be creamy but not overly stiff. Adjust the cornstarch-milk mixture slightly to reach your preferred consistency. A smooth, pourable texture works best for serving over bread or alongside proteins.
4. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes. The stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop.
5. What herbs complement this stew best?
Fresh dill and parsley are classic choices, providing a fresh and aromatic touch. You can also experiment with thyme or chives for a slightly different flavor profile.
