Greek Pea Stew (Arakas)
A simple, healthy, Mediterranean dish made with peas and vegetables, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with herbs and olive oil.
Ingredients
- 500 g/17.6oz frozen peas
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 large potatoes cut in bite size pieces
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ⅓ cup/(80ml) olive oil
- 3 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
- 2 tablespoon freshly chopped spearmint/mint
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- salt & pepper
- 400 g/14oz grated ripe tomatoes or canned
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- 1 ½ cup/360ml boiling water
- 1 tbsp/15ml lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium/high heat.
- Chop the onion and sauté in olive oil until soft.
- Slice the carrots and add them to the pot.
- Peel the potatoes and zucchini and cut them into cubes.
- Add them into the pot, sprinkle with the smoked paprika powder, and sauté for 5 more minutes.
- Add the peas, the grated tomatoes, and the sugar (if applicable).
- Add the water, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste, and bring it to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium/low and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
- Finely chop the spearmint/mint and dill, add them to the pot with the lemon juice, and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Serve while still warm.
- Enjoy :)
Notes
Use 1 teaspoon of sugar if you want your peas to taste sweeter.
Replace water with vegetable or chicken stock for extra flavour.