Gypsy Stew

A favourite dish in Murcia is Olla Gitana, or Gypsy Stew. This is a nourishing and tasty dish and it is ideal for vegetarians.

500g of chickpeas (garbanzos) (if dry, soak overnight, if pre-cooked in a jar, rinse off the liquid before using).
300g of pumpkin
300g of potato
100g of green beans
One tomato
One onion
Two cloves of garlic
Two pears
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Saffron
Mint

If the chickpeas have been soaking overnight, rinse and put into a big pan to simmer for about 40 minutes. kim the froth from the top of the liquid. Or use the pre-cooked type. Then add the chopped pumpkin, a few mint leaves, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Then add the potato, pears and chopped green beans. Separately, chop the onion, tomato and garlic, and fry together in a little oil. When soft, stir in the paprika and then add the mix to the main pot. Season with salt to taste, add the saffron and more mint leaves and let stand a bit before serving.

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©Phillip Bruce 2009