Creamy Mediterranean Vegetable Medley
Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with this Creamy Mediterranean Vegetable Medley. This elegant dish features a colorful array of vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious white wine and cream sauce. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy dinner at home, it can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully over pasta, rice, or even as a topping for grilled chicken. Whether you're serving it as a main course or as a stunning side, this dish is bound to impress with its sophisticated taste and delightful aroma.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
green bell pepper
1 large (diced)
red bell pepper
1 large (diced)
white onion
1 (diced)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
zucchini
1 (sliced)
mushrooms
6 (quartered)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (none)
chicken stock cube
1 (crumbled)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the diced green and red bell peppers, white onion, and crushed garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
3
Next, incorporate the sliced zucchini and quartered mushrooms into the skillet. Continue to cook for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini begins to soften.
4
Pour in the dry white wine and increase the heat slightly. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for approximately 4 minutes, or until the wine has reduced and concentrated in flavor.
5
Crumble the chicken stock cube into the pan, stirring well to dissolve it completely. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a creamy texture.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the creamy vegetable medley over your choice of pasta, rice, baked potatoes, or grilled chicken. Enjoy this delightful dish warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Mediterranean Vegetable Medley?
It is a vibrant dish featuring a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, served in a rich white wine and heavy cream sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The base is vegetarian, but it uses a chicken stock cube; you can easily make it fully vegetarian by substituting a vegetable stock cube.
What vegetables are included in this medley?
The recipe includes green bell peppers, red bell peppers, white onions, garlic, zucchini, and mushrooms.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
Both the red and green bell peppers should be diced before cooking.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, while the recipe calls for white onion, you can substitute yellow onion or shallots for a similar flavor profile.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 mushrooms, quartered. White button mushrooms or cremini (baby bella) mushrooms work perfectly.
What kind of wine is best for this sauce?
A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, is best for balancing the richness of the cream.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce may be thinner. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream can be used.
How long does it take to sauté the base vegetables?
Sauté the peppers, onions, and garlic for approximately 4 minutes until they soften.
When do I add the zucchini?
Add the sliced zucchini and quartered mushrooms after the initial sauté of peppers and onions, then cook for another 4 minutes.
What is the purpose of simmering the wine?
Simmering the wine for about 4 minutes allows it to reduce and concentrate the flavors before adding the stock and cream.
How do I incorporate the stock cube?
Crumble the chicken stock cube directly into the pan and stir well to ensure it dissolves completely.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
This medley is delicious served over pasta, rice, baked potatoes, or as a topping for grilled chicken.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic along with the peppers and onions and stir frequently to ensure it softens without browning too quickly.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This dish is highly customizable; you can add spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes depending on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free as written, provided your chicken stock cube is certified gluten-free.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce thickens naturally by simmering the heavy cream for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat.
Can I make this dish alcohol-free?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of vegetable broth and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
What kind of olive oil is best?
A standard extra virgin olive oil is ideal for its flavor and healthy fats.
How many mushrooms are needed?
The recipe requires 6 mushrooms, which should be quartered.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this dish be frozen?
Because of the heavy cream, the sauce may separate when frozen and thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh.
How do I reheat the medley?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano would make an excellent addition to the final dish for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this is a mild and creamy dish. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
How should I slice the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sliced into rounds or half-moons depending on its thickness.
What size bell peppers should I use?
The recipe calls for one large green bell pepper and one large red bell pepper.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if necessary.
How long is the total cooking time?
The total active cooking time is approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, when served over a hearty base like pasta or rice, it makes for a filling and sophisticated vegetarian main course.