Mediterranean Pasta Stew

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

   10 min hands-on

   • Finely dice the onion, carrot, celery, and potato.
   • Mince the garlic cloves.
   • Set each aside separately.

2. Sauté the Base Vegetables

   2 min hands-on8 min waiting

   • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and potato.
   • Sprinkle with salt and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly browned.

3. Add Garlic and Spices

   1 min hands-on2 min waiting

   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper, stirring well to coat vegetables.
   • Toast spices for 1 minute.

4. Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Wine

   2 min hands-on5 min waiting

   • Add tomato sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
   • Pour in wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce.

5. Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth

   2 min hands-on

   • Stir in drained pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
   • Season with black pepper and adjust salt to taste.
   • Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

6. Simmer for Depth

   2 min hands-on15 min waiting

   • Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

7. Cook the Pasta

   2 min hands-on

   • Add dry whole-grain pasta directly into the simmering stew.
   • Cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.

8. Add Greens and Fresh Herbs

   1 min waiting

   • When pasta is almost al dente, stir in fresh spinach and torn basil leaves.
   • Simmer for 1-2 minutes until greens are wilted.

9. Enhance the Umami

   • Stir in yeast extract to boost savory flavor.
   • Mix well to ensure even distribution.

10. Serve and Garnish

    2 min hands-on

    • Ladle stew into bowls.
    • Drizzle with olive oil, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with extra paprika or chili flakes if desired.
    • Cooking tips:
    • For a silkier texture, mash a small portion of the potatoes or beans directly in the pot before adding the pasta.
    • If the stew thickens too much while cooking the pasta, add a splash of hot water or more vegetable broth.
    • To elevate the umami, consider adding a dusting of nutritional yeast or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
    • Allow leftovers to rest overnight in the fridge for deeper flavors.