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Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew Recipe

4.8 from 101 reviews

Traditional Greek Green Peas Stew is a hearty and flavorful vegetable stew made with fresh green peas, potatoes, zucchinis, carrots, and ripe tomatoes. Infused with aromatic dill and enriched with extra virgin olive oil, this comforting dish is simmered slowly to soften the vegetables perfectly and served warm with a side of feta cheese and crusty bread. A perfect vegetarian, gluten-free, and wholesome meal that showcases classic Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium-sized (120 grams) red onion, minced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 700 grams (1.5 pounds) green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 500 grams (1.1 pounds) potatoes, peeled and cut into 34 cm (1¼-1½-inch) pieces
  • 34 very small baby or small zucchinis, cut into 3 cm (1¼-inch) thick pieces
  • 2 medium (130 grams) carrots, cut into 1 cm (⅓-inch) thick slices
  • 2 medium-large (400 grams) ripe tomatoes, diced (skin, pulp, and all)

Pantry Ingredients

  • 12 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided; 5 tablespoons for cooking, 7 tablespoons for finishing)
  • 3 teaspoons tomato paste
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Ground pepper, to taste
  • 400 ml hot water or vegetable stock

Herbs & Garnish

  • 23 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Feta cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil: Heat 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium-sized cooking pot over moderate heat.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced red onion and finely chopped garlic to the pot and sauté until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aroma.
  3. Add Vegetables: Incorporate the peeled potatoes, zucchini pieces, green peas, and carrot slices into the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high to start cooking the vegetables.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine and prevent sticking.
  5. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the 3 teaspoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  6. Add Fresh Tomatoes and Season: Add the diced ripe tomatoes, season the stew with sea salt and freshly ground pepper according to taste, and cook for another 2 minutes bringing the flavors together.
  7. Add Liquid: Pour in 400 ml of hot water or vegetable stock to cover the ingredients and allow them to simmer.
  8. Simmer Stew: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently over low heat for 40 to 50 minutes or until all vegetables are tender and cooked through.
  9. Finish with Olive Oil and Dill: Stir in the remaining 7 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the freshly chopped dill. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Reduce Liquid: Cook the stew partly covered over moderate heat for about 10 minutes, allowing most of the liquid to evaporate so the oil is prominent in the pot.
  11. Rest the Stew: Remove the pot from heat and let the stew stand, covered, for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  12. Serve: Serve the green peas stew warm accompanied by a generous piece of feta cheese and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can use fresh or frozen green peas depending on availability. Frozen peas work well and save prep time.
  • Adjust the quantity of olive oil to your preference, but authentic Greek stews are rich in olive oil for flavor and texture.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, allow it to reduce longer, or add less liquid initially.
  • Fresh dill is essential for authentic flavor, but you can substitute with dried dill if fresh is unavailable, using about one-third the amount.
  • For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded further.

Keywords: Greek green peas stew, traditional Greek recipe, vegetarian stew, Mediterranean vegetables, dill and feta stew