RecipesMoldovaGhiveci Moldovenesc

Ghiveci Moldovenesc

A hearty and flavorful Moldovan vegetable stew, often enriched with meat, showcasing a rich blend of seasonal produce and aromatic herbs.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Ghiveci Moldovenesc - Moldova traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 500 g Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
  • 2 large Onions(chopped)
  • 3 medium Carrots(sliced)
  • 2 large Bell peppers(mixed colors, chopped)
  • 1 medium Zucchini(cubed)
  • 1 medium Eggplant(cubed)
  • 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 500 ml Vegetable broth
  • 0.25 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
  • 1 piece Bay leaf
  • 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add carrots and bell peppers to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Return the browned pork to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

    💡 Tip: If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more broth or water.
  6. 6

    Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and vegetables are soft.

    💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. 7

    Stir in the chopped fresh dill and parsley just before serving.

    💡 Tip: Adding herbs at the end preserves their fresh flavor.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth.
  • Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or peas.
  • A dollop of sour cream or smântână can be served on top.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • Include a small amount of red wine with the broth for added depth.

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