A hearty and nostalgic dish that brings back childhood memories — this comforting potato stew is perfect served with pickles or a fresh salad. Simple ingredients, lots of flavor, and an old-world touch!

Rustic Potato Stew (Romanian Style)
Ingredients
Optional Alternative:
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion and green onions.
- Grate the carrot and finely chop the red pepper.
- Peel and cube the potatoes, adjusting size as preferred.
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Sauté the Base:
- In a large pot, heat 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, green onions, carrot, and pepper.
- Sauté for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
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Add Potatoes and Seasonings:
- Add the cubed potatoes and enough water to fully cover them.
- Add salt, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Stir and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
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Thicken the Stew:
Option 1: With Flour
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of water to form a smooth slurry (no lumps).
- Add a few tablespoons of hot broth from the pot into the slurry to temper it.
- Stir well and pour the mixture back into the stew while stirring continuously.
Option 2: Without Flour
- Grate 1 raw potato directly into the stew for natural thickening.
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Final Touch:
- Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Stir everything well and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to combine all flavors.