Samfaina
Samfaina is a traditional Catalan vegetable stew featuring eggplant and zucchini simmered with a savory base of onion, garlic, and tomato. This vegan side dish is rich in flavor and perfect for accompanying a variety of meals.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 5 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 188 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 1 pcseggplant, diced into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 2 pcszucchini, diced into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 clovegarlic, minced
- 1 pcsred bell pepper, diced
- 1 pcsgreen bell pepper, diced
- 400 gcanned crushed tomato
- 3 tbspolive oil
- 0.5 tspdried thyme
- 1 pcsbay leaf
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
Equipment
large pot · dutch oven · wooden spoon · cutting board · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 2 min
- 2
Add the eggplant and zucchini to the pot and sauté for 8-10 minutes until slightly softened and lightly browned.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- 3
Remove the cooked eggplant and zucchini from the pot and set aside.
About 1 min
- 4
Add the onion to the same pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
About 7 min
- 5
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 6
Add the red bell pepper and green bell pepper to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
About 5 min
- 7
Pour in the crushed tomato, then add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
About 1 min
- 8
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the cooked eggplant and zucchini to the pot.
About 2 min
- 9
Stir everything well, cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender and the flavors have melded.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 10
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 187.8kcal
- Protein
- 4.1g
- Carbs
- 21.1g
- Fat
- 10.8g
- Fibre
- 6.2g
- Sugar
- 12.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover samfaina in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
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