Vegetarian Stew

Imagine the comforting aroma of sautéed onions and garlic wafting through your kitchen, setting the stage for a delightful culinary experience.

This Mediterranean vegetarian stew isn’t only easy to make but also offers a cozy embrace with every spoonful.

As fresh vegetables simmer gently, they transform into a hearty, flavorful medley that warms both body and soul.

Join me in bringing this simple yet special dish to life.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 cutting board
• 1 chef’s knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the vegetarian stew, follow this timeline:

1. Read the Recipe (5 minutes):
   • Familiarize yourself with the ingredients, equipment, and steps.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes):
   • Dice the large onion.
   • Mince the garlic cloves.
   • Slice the carrots and celery stalks.
   • Chop the red bell pepper.
   • Dice the potatoes.
   • Slice the zucchini.
   • Trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces.
3. Cooking (45 minutes total):
   • Minute 1-5: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Minute 6-10: Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   • Minute 11-15: Add carrots, celery, and red bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
   • Minute 16-20: Add diced potatoes, zucchini, and green beans, stirring to combine.
   • Minute 21-25: Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
   • Minute 26-30: Stir in thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
   • Minute 31-45: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Seasoning & Resting (10 minutes):
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Remove the bay leaf and discard.
   • Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
5. Serving & Garnishing (5 minutes):
   • Garnish with fresh parsley.
   • Serve hot.

Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.

Add diced potatoes, zucchini, and green beans, stirring to combine.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.

Stir in thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.

Simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside slices of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Rice or Quinoa: Pair with a side of rice or quinoa for added texture and to make the meal more filling.
• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for a touch of richness and flavor.
• Fresh Salad: Complement the warm stew with a fresh green salad for a crisp contrast.
• Herbed Yogurt: Add a dollop of herbed yogurt for a creamy and tangy finish.

Storage

Store the vegetarian stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Enjoy enhanced flavors the following day.

Freezing

To freeze vegetarian stew, allow it to cool completely.

Then, transfer it to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Label and date the containers.

Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat vegetarian stew, use a stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally until thoroughly warmed.

Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish.

Stir halfway through to guarantee even heating.

Final Thoughts

Vegetarian stew is a versatile and hearty dish that embodies the warmth and flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.

This recipe is perfect for those seeking a satisfying and nutritious meal, highlighting a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs.

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a delightful stew that brings comfort and nourishment to your table.

Don’t hesitate to experiment by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.

Enjoy this stew piping hot, with its flavors enhanced by a touch of fresh parsley.

It’s a dish that promises to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Sweet Potatoes for Regular Potatoes?

You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in equal amounts. Dice them into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking. Their sweetness complements the dish, but they may slightly alter the stew’s texture and flavor profile.

Is This Stew Suitable for Vegans?

Yes, the stew’s suitable for vegans. It uses plant-based ingredients and no animal products. Make certain you use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based broths. Follow precise measurements and techniques for the best flavor and texture.

What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Parsley?

You can substitute fresh parsley with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. If you prefer a different flavor profile, use fresh cilantro or basil, ensuring you finely chop them to maintain the same texture and distribution in the dish.

How Can I Thicken the Stew?

To thicken the stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the simmering stew. Alternatively, mash some potatoes directly in the pot to release starch, enhancing thickness naturally.

Are There Any Protein-Rich Ingredients I Can Add?

Add 1 cup cooked chickpeas or 1 cup cubed tofu for protein. Incorporate them during step 5, ensuring even distribution. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Alternatively, stir in 1/4 cup quinoa, letting it cook with the vegetables.

Vegetarian Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef's knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Ladle

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 2 clove garlic minced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 2 medium potatoes diced
• 1 zucchini sliced
• 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Add carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add diced potatoes, zucchini, and green beans, stirring to combine.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
• Stir in thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
• Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
• Simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove the bay leaf and discard.
• Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika during the cooking process. This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.