Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent and fragrant. This usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and sliced garlic cloves, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors. If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes.
Add the peeled Roma tomatoes, 1 cup of passata, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In the second pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the quartered zucchini, diced eggplant, potatoes and peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly, 7-10 minutes.
Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the first pot with the tomato mixture.
Ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Slightly cover the pot and allow the vegetables to simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables, including the potatoes, are tender and infused with delicious flavors. If necessary, add a little water to prevent the stew from drying up and burning.
Add the chopped fresh herbs, taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil (optional).
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Notes
Use fresh, seasonal vegetables. Using locally grown fresh produce is essential to capture the authentic flavors of Ciambotta.
Cut your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture in your stew. Aim for bite-sized pieces of roughly the same size.
If you prefer, use unpeeled eggplant and potatoes.
If using large zucchini, you may want to deseed them.
Allow the vegetables to simmer gently over low to medium heat. This slow cooking process makes them tender without losing shape. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Add the fresh herbs towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor and aroma.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs. While it traditionally features garlic, and basil, don't hesitate to try additions like cumin, or paprika to create a unique flavor profile.
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.