Ingredients:

• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 50 ml vegetable oil
• 2 bell peppers (sliced)
• 1 carrot (sliced)
• 150 ml cream (20% fat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 0.5 tsp Utskhu-Suneli (optional but recommended)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 100 gr butter

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by finely chopping the onion, slicing the bell peppers, and peeling and slicing the carrot. Keep these ingredients aside as they will be added to the pan sequentially.
2. Heat the oil: In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and soft, which will take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced carrots to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the carrots to soften. Then, add the sliced bell peppers. Continue to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp, about another 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the stir-fry: Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness, season them with salt, ground black pepper, paprika, turmeric, and Utskhu-Suneli. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables with the spices. Allow the spices to cook for a minute to release their flavors.
5. Add the garlic and butter: Mince the garlic and add it to the pan along with the butter. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter has melted completely, infusing the vegetables with rich flavors.
6. Pour in the cream: Slowly pour in the cream (20% fat) and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for about 5 minutes until the cream thickens and the vegetables are fully coated in the sauce.
7. Serve: Once the cream has thickened and the dish is heated through, remove it from the heat and serve. This creamy vegetable stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even as a side dish to your favorite protein.

Nutrition Facts:

Note: These values are estimates based on the listed ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs:

1. What is Utskhu-Suneli? Utskhu-Suneli is a spice commonly used in Georgian cuisine. It adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish and enhances the overall complexity. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mild herb like fenugreek.
2. Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe with any vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, broccoli, or even mushrooms would be great additions.
3. Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet? Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, simply substitute the cream and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Tips for Making Creamy Vegetable Stir-Fry:

1. Prep your vegetables in advance:
   Since the cooking process is fairly quick, it’s best to have all your vegetables chopped and ready before you start cooking.
2. Don’t skip the cream:
   The cream is what gives this dish its luscious, rich texture. Opt for a 20% fat cream for the best consistency. If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or use a dairy-free substitute like coconut cream.
3. Adjust the spice levels:
   If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
4. Butter adds richness:
   The combination of butter and oil provides both flavor and a smooth texture. If you’re avoiding butter, replace it with a plant-based alternative or olive oil.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream will solidify when cold, so when reheating, gently heat in a pan over low heat to avoid the sauce splitting.
2. Freezing:
   While the dish can be frozen, cream-based sauces tend to change texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the cream and add it freshly after reheating.
3. Reheating:
   To reheat, warm the stir-fry in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original creamy consistency.

Conclusion:

This creamy vegetable stir-fry with paprika and turmeric is a perfect blend of warmth and comfort in every bite. The rich flavors from the butter, spices, and cream come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of depth. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner for those who want a quick, delicious, and versatile meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, this dish will surely become a household favorite!

Enjoy this comforting dish and don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or proteins to make it your own!