Greek Vegetable Stew

The Orthodox Greeks enter partial fasts as part of their religious practices. This recipe is one that’s handed down and common among Greek families.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons oil
2 onions, chopped
1 pound green string beans, broken in half
1 package frozen or fresh spinach
4 cups water
6 zucchini, chunked
4 yellow squash, chunked
2 cups celery leaves
4 tomatoes, quartered
1 teaspoon salt
8 slices lemon
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons fresh basil
2 cloves chopped garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation:
1.   Lightly brown onions in a hot dry skillet in 2 tablespoons oil.
2.   Add oregano and garlic, cook 1 minute.
3.   Add 4 cups water and tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes.
4.   Add remaining ingredients. Cook covered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5.   Serve with a lemon slice in each bowl.

Yield: eight servings