Grilled Vegetable Cataplana (Algarve-Style Stew)

Cataplana is closely associated with the Algarve, where ingredients are gently cooked together into a fragrant, saucy stew, traditionally in the distinctive lidded pan of the same name. This vegetable version keeps that generous, coastal Portuguese feel while using a standard pot: grilled peppers and courgettes bring charred sweetness, then settle into a tomato, onion and white wine base scented with sweet paprika and bay. Fresh coriander added at the end keeps the stew bright rather than heavy, making it a light vegan dinner with enough depth for cooler evenings and enough freshness for warmer ones.
Cuisine style Portuguese Algarve-style stew
Spice level Mild
Flavor profile Smoky • Tangy • Light and fresh
Techniques Grilling • Simmering
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Built-in depth: Grilling the peppers and courgettes first adds smoky flavour before they are folded into the tomato and wine sauce.
  • Bright but rounded: Tomatoes and white wine bring acidity, while softened onion, olive oil and sweet paprika keep the stew mellow and savoury.
  • Good for leftovers: The sauce holds well in the fridge or freezer and can be reheated gently without losing its stew-like character.

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Authenticity notes

  • Algarve-style inspiration: Cataplana is closely associated with the Algarve, where saucy stews often combine tomatoes, olive oil, aromatics and wine. This version keeps that profile but uses vegetables rather than seafood.
  • No cataplana pan required: A large pot works well here because the vegetables are grilled separately, then briefly simmered into the sauce.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes break down more readily and give the stew a naturally saucy texture without needing a long cook.
  • Sweet or smoked paprika: Sweet paprika keeps the flavour gentle; smoked paprika makes the stew taste deeper and more grilled.
  • Finish with fresh herbs: Fresh coriander adds brightness at the end. Parsley is a good alternative if you prefer a softer herbal flavour.

Texture tips

  • Keep the vegetables defined: Grill the peppers and courgettes until tender and charred, then add them near the end so they absorb the sauce without collapsing.
  • Reduce to a glossy sauce: Let the tomatoes simmer until they break down and the liquid looks cohesive before adding the grilled vegetables.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make ahead: The stew can be cooked in advance, cooled, and refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze after cooking: Freeze once cooled, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat gently: Warm in a pot over low heat until piping hot, adding a small splash of water if the sauce has reduced too far.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat a grill to high. Halve and deseed the peppers, then cut the courgettes lengthways into thick slices. Toss both with 2 tbsp of the olive oil.
  2. Grill the peppers and courgettes until well charred and tender, turning as needed. Transfer to a board; roughly chop the peppers and cut the courgettes into bite-size pieces.
  3. Set a large pot over medium heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Finely slice the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and sweet, then finely slice the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the sweet paprika for 30 seconds.
  4. Roughly chop the tomatoes and add them to the pot with the dry white wine and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce looks glossy and saucy.
  5. Stir in the grilled peppers and courgettes and simmer for 5 minutes to bring everything together. Roughly chop the fresh coriander and stir most of it through, saving a little to finish. Serve hot, scattered with the remaining coriander.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For a deeper smoky flavour, let the vegetables take on dark grill marks before turning, but pull them off before they dry out.
  • Keep the stew at a gentle simmer so the tomatoes reduce into a sauce rather than catching on the bottom.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, ensure the stew is piping hot throughout before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace Dry White Wine with water for an alcohol-free version; simmer 2 to 3 minutes longer to concentrate the sauce.
  • Replace Fresh coriander with Fresh parsley for a milder, more herby finish.
  • Replace Sweet paprika with Smoked paprika for a more pronounced smoky note.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, stirring, until piping hot; add a small splash of water if it has reduced too far. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Grilled Vegetable Cataplana (Algarve-Style Stew)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 1h (35min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Portuguese
Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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