This Tourlou Tourlou is a tasty Greek vegetable stew loaded with colorful veggies like eggplant, zucchini, and peppers. It’s a cozy dish that warms your heart!
Cooking this stew makes your kitchen smell lovely, and it’s perfect with crusty bread. I love to add a sprinkle of feta on top for extra flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggplants: They add a lovely texture to the stew. If you can’t find eggplants, zucchini can be a substitute, but the flavor will change slightly. I recommend salting eggplant before cooking to draw out bitterness and moisture.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is perfect here, but yellow squash can work in a pinch. Both give a nice crunch! Some people prefer to peel zucchini, but I think leaving the skin adds color and nutrients.
Bell Peppers: Red and green are standard, but feel free to use any color. If you’re looking for a bit more spice, try adding a jalapeño or another type of chili. I love the sweetness of yellow bell peppers, too!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor, but any light oil will do. If you need a lower-fat option, you could use vegetable broth to sauté the vegetables instead.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal, but canned works great as well. Look for those packed in juice for a fuller taste. Crushed tomatoes can replace chopped ones for a smoother consistency.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking vegetables evenly is key to a yummy stew. Here are a few tips:
- Cut all veggies to similar sizes—about 1-inch pieces keep cooking consistent.
- Start with heartier vegetables like eggplant and bell peppers, then add softer ones like zucchini later to avoid mushiness.
- Keep the heat medium, allowing flavors to develop without burning.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure all veggies soften evenly.
Making this stew is almost as satisfying as eating it! Adjust spices and flavors as you go, and enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen. Happy cooking!
How to Make Tourlou Tourlou Greek Vegetable Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 2 medium eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
Liquids and Fats:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
Herbs and Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 100g feta cheese, crumbled
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tourlou Tourlou takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 40 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around an hour. It’s a lovely way to brighten up your day with fresh vegetables!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Base Started:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion is soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. The smell will start to fill your kitchen!
2. Introduce the Heartier Veggies:
Now it’s time to add in those tasty eggplant cubes and bell peppers. Stir them well and cook for around 7-10 minutes. You want them to start softening up a bit, making them perfect for the next steps.
3. Add in the Zucchini:
After the heartier veggies have cooked down, add the sliced zucchini. Cook everything for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini will cook quickly and will bring some lovely flavor to the mix.
4. Toss in the Tomatoes and Spices:
Next, add the chopped tomatoes (or canned ones if you’re using those), and sprinkle in the dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Let It Simmer:
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, give it a good stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, cover the pot and let it cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. This is where all the flavors combine beautifully!
6. Taste and Final Touches:
After the simmering time, taste your stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed with extra salt or pepper. If you want a bit of creaminess, sprinkle on the crumbled feta cheese.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Tourlou Tourlou hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy it with some crusty bread for a complete meal. Dig in and savor the exciting flavors of this classic Greek dish!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace or add vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season. Carrots, potatoes, or even green beans can be great additions to this hearty stew.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no meat or dairy unless you add feta. Just skip the feta for a completely vegan dish, and it will still taste amazing!
What Can I Serve with Tourlou Tourlou?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, but you can also serve it over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal. A simple green salad on the side would complement it nicely too!
