Mediterranean Vegetable Stew
www.fatfreevegan.com/veggies2/1106.shtml
Recipe by: FRESH FROM THE VEGETARIAN SLOW COOKER, by Robin Robertson
Crockpot Size: 4-6 qt
Cook Time: 6-8 hrs
Setting: Low
Serves: 6
2 tablespoons water
3 shallots, chopped
1 large carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced into half moons
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large fennel bulb, stalks discarded, diced
1 lb. small red potatoes, quartered (substitute turnip, celeriac or even cauliflower)
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1" pieces
1 nine-ounce pkg frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15.5-ounce can of chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1/3 cup white wine (I used all stock instead)
1& 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 teaspn minced fresh thyme leaves, or 1/4 teaspn dried
1 teaspn minced fresh oregano leaves, or 1/4 teaspn dried
1 large bay leaf
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1) Heat the 2 tbsp. water in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and carrot, cover, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
(I skipped this step and put everything in the crockpot at once)
2) Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a 4-6 quart crock pot. Add the fennel, potatoes, bell pepper, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, chickpeas, wine, stock, dried thyme and oregano (if using), and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3) If using fresh herbs, add them a few minutes before the end of the cooking time. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
