PISTO MANCHEGO

Pisto Manchego image

This classic dish is a tasty combination of perfectly cooked and seasoned vegetables. It's a delicious one pot recipe you must-try!

Provided by Francine Lizotte

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

4 c eggplant, ends removed and cubed
1 Tbsp ground himalayan sea salt, or as needed
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 c onions, coarsely diced
1 c red peppers, coarsely diced
1 c green peppers (substitute poblano), coarsely diced
4 can(s) zucchini, coarsely diced
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
4 large cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
1 can(s) (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1/2 Tbsp vinagre de jerez (substitute regular sherry vinegar)
1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar, or more to taste
1/2 Tbsp dried rosemary, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Steps:

1. Slice the eggplant in half and cut each half into ½-inch thick slices. Take each slice, cut in half and then dice into ½-inch cubes. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with paper towels and spread them out in a single layer before generously sprinkling on some ground sea salt; let it sit for 30 minutes.
2. Half an hour later, using paper towels, press down on the diced eggplant to remove any excess liquid; set aside.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add oil and when it gets hot, add onions, red peppers and green peppers, sauté the ingredients for 4 minutes.
4. Add the zucchini, give it a good stir to blend, cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
5. Add eggplant and combine with the other ingredients before seasoning with freshly ground black pepper. Stir once again, cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender - to see if they're done, just press down on them with the tip of your spoon or spatula.
6. Add pressed garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes including the juice and blend them in with the mixture; season with Vinagre de Jerez, granulated sugar, rosemary, dried thyme leaves, and smoked paprika. Stir well, cover and cook for 5 minutes.
7. When time is up, uncover, stir again, reduce the heat to medium low and let the pisto simmer gently, about 15 minutes or until most liquid has evaporated. Taste and adjust if necessary.
8. When the cooking time is done, there are two options; make a few wells and crack an egg into each and enjoy it with some crusty bread or serve it as is along with some cured ham or as a side dish. Sprinkle on chopped parsley before serving.
9. To view this recipe on YouTube, click on this link >>>> https://youtu.be/yn6SKoGr8OI