Hearty Vegetable Stew

As the weather cools down, there’s nothing like a comforting bowl of hearty vegetable stew to warm you up. Packed with seasonal vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, this stew is not only nutritious but also incredibly filling. Add a can of chickpeas or kidney beans for extra protein, and you’ve got yourself a balanced, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 parsnip, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Protein

• 1 can of chickpeas or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Herbs and Spices

• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Broth

• 4 cups vegetable broth

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 cup of kale or spinach, roughly chopped

Pro Tip: To add depth to the flavor, include a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Cutting them into uniform sizes helps them cook evenly, resulting in a stew where every bite has the perfect blend of flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent and aromatic, about 5 minutes. This step is essential for building the stew’s base flavor.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step! Allowing the onions and garlic to cook slowly brings out a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stew.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth

Add the carrots, potatoes, parsnip, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the oil and aromatic base. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the herbs and spices (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper). Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Pro Tip: If you like a slightly thicker stew, you can mash a few potato cubes into the broth for a creamy texture.

Step 4: Add the Protein

Once the vegetables are tender, usually after 20-25 minutes of simmering, add the chickpeas or kidney beans. Let them cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Leafy Greens and Optional Ingredients

In the last few minutes of cooking, toss in the kale or spinach. If you’re using diced tomatoes or green beans, add them now as well. Stir to combine and cook until the greens are wilted.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty vegetable stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm, fluffy biscuits. For added heartiness, serve it over a scoop of rice or couscous.

Pro Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, and the flavors tend to deepen, making it taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Benefits

Packed with a variety of vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein, this stew is a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner. It’s also versatile, allowing you to swap in whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

Whether you’re craving a nutritious meal or just need something warm to come home to, this hearty vegetable stew is the perfect answer. Enjoy the comfort of each flavorful spoonful, and make it a staple in your fall and winter meal rotation!