Gvtarra and vegetable stew: how to turn it into a complete meal

Having a jar of Gvtarra vegetable stew is particularly handy when you live outside Spain and find it difficult to source certain seasonal vegetables. This stew already contains a selection of vegetables ready to be reheated and served as a side dish, which cuts down on time spent in the kitchen and allows you to enjoy a traditional recipe at any time of year.

What vegetables are in Gvtarra menestra?

Gvtarra Navarran menestracontains artichokes, asparagus, peas and carrots. This combination brings together vegetables with different flavours and textures; the artichokes add a slightly intense vegetable flavour, the asparagus is delicate, the peas introduce sweetness and the carrots balance the whole dish.

One of the hallmarks of a good vegetable stew is that the vegetables can be distinguished on the plate. The preparation must preserve their shape and avoid overcooking, as prolonged heating can cause them to lose their firmness. As this is a tinned product, the vegetables are already cooked and simply need to be brought to a pleasant temperature before serving.

The liquid from the jar can also be used to make a light sauce. It contains some of the flavour of the vegetables and helps to bind the dish together without having to add large quantities of stock.

A recipe linked to Navarre’s vegetable gardens

Menestra is prepared in different parts of Spain, although it has a particularly close connection with Navarre and with the vegetables grown in the Ribera del Ebro. In this region, artichokes and asparagus play a significant role, particularly during the months when they are at their best.

The Navarran version tends to let each vegetable take centre stage and avoids masking their flavours with overly heavy sauces. The result is a dish that looks simple, yet offers different nuances with every mouthful. Its traditional character also explains why it features in family meals, celebrations and seasonal menus.

For those living abroad, preparing a recipe of this kind with fresh vegetables can be tricky. Some varieties are hard to find, whilst others are sold at high prices outside their region of production; a Gvtarra jar allows you to gather the main ingredients without having to buy them separately.

How to reheat menestra without spoiling the vegetables

Menestra can be reheated directly in a saucepan, although it is worth taking a few minutes to prepare a base that enhances its flavour. A simple option is to gently fry some chopped onion in olive oil. When it is soft, add some sliced garlic and leave it for a few seconds, taking care not to let it brown too much.

Next, add a small amount of flour and mix it into the oil. Gradually add the liquid reserved from the jar until a light sauce forms; when it reaches the desired consistency, add the vegetables and heat them over a low heat.

During this final step, it is best to stir the pan gently. Stirring constantly with a spoon can break the asparagus or artichokes; it is better to give the pan a gentle shake to distribute the sauce. The vegetable stew will be ready when all the vegetables are warm, without the need for further cooking.

Vegetable stew with ham and egg: a traditional combination

Adding Serrano ham enhances the flavour and adds a different texture. It can be diced into small cubes and cooked briefly with the onion, although it can also be browned separately and placed on top of the stew just before serving.

A hard-boiled egg easily rounds off the recipe. Cut into quarters or slices, it adds a touch of creaminess and makes the vegetable stew a more substantial dish. This combination is ideal for a light meal, especially when served with a little bread.

It can also be made with a poached egg. When you break the yolk over the vegetables, it forms a creamy sauce that blends with the stew’s broth.

How to turn it into a complete meal with chicken

Chicken is a practical alternative for those who prefer to add meat. A grilled chicken breast can be cut into strips and placed on top of the vegetables; if you want a juicier result, boneless chicken thighs work particularly well.

Before cooking, the chicken can be seasoned with garlic, pepper and a little thyme. These flavours complement the vegetables without overpowering them. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and prepare the base of the menestra in the same pan, making use of the remaining juices.

Another option is to use leftover roast chicken from a previous meal. Simply shred it and add it during the final few minutes of heating. In this way, the vegetable stew helps to make the most of leftovers and allows you to prepare a complete meal with very little effort.

Fish and vegetable stew for a lighter combination

Vegetable stew can also be served with white fish such as hake or cod. In this case, the vegetables form the basis of the dish, reducing the need to prepare a separate side dish.

Hake can be grilled and served directly on top of the vegetable stew. A sprinkling of fresh parsley and a few drops of olive oil complete the presentation. To ensure the dish retains a balanced flavour, it is best to avoid overly strong seasonings.

Cod lends itself to a slightly more involved preparation. It can be cooked in the vegetable stew’s sauce for the final few minutes, provided the pieces are of a suitable size.

A vegetable option with potatoes or pulses

To make the menestra a more substantial dish without adding meat or fish, you can add boiled potatoes. Cut into medium-sized chunks, they absorb some of the sauce and go well with all the vegetables in the jar.

Cooked chickpeas offer another simple solution. It’s best to rinse and drain them before adding them; they can then be heated through with the menestra for a few minutes. Their mild flavour complements the character of the vegetables and adds a firmer texture.

This version can be finished with sweet paprika and a drizzle of olive oil. The result is a meal that’s easy to prepare and very handy for those days when you’re looking for a hot dish made with ingredients from the cupboard.

An easy way to enjoy Spanish vegetables

With Your Spanish Shop, you can continue to prepare dishes inspired by the Spanish vegetable garden, even if you live far away. Gvtarra menestra takes care of the most labour-intensive part of the recipe, leaving the finishing touches up to you: choose your accompaniment, heat it up and sit back to enjoy.