Picture a cozy evening with the aroma of hearty potato stew wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something about the simplicity of this dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Easy to make, this comforting stew is a favorite for its rich, nourishing flavors.
As the ingredients simmer together, they transform into a delightful harmony of taste and texture.
Let’s bring this comforting stew to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking potato stew, here’s a timeline that incorporates prep, cooking, and resting times, along with an additional buffer for reading and understanding the recipe:
- Preparation Time (15 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:05: Read through the recipe thoroughly to understand the steps and gather all ingredients and equipment.
- 0:05 – 0:15: Perform the prep work:
- Dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Peel and cube the potatoes.
- Slice the carrots.
- Chop the bell pepper.
- Cooking Time (1 hour)
- 0:15 – 0:20: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
- 0:20 – 0:25: Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent.
- 0:25 – 0:30: Stir in the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped bell pepper.
- 0:30 – 0:35: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 0:35 – 0:40: Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and the bay leaf. Reduce heat to low.
- 0:40 – 1:25: Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- 1:25 – 1:35: Remove the bay leaf and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped bell pepper.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 45 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and guarantee even cooking.
Once the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf.
Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of fresh, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a revitalizing contrast to the hearty stew.
- Steamed Rice: Offer a bed of steamed rice to make the meal more filling and absorbent.
- Grilled Sausages: Complement the stew with grilled sausages for an added protein boost.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory, cheesy finish.
Storage
Store leftover potato stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze potato stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Label and date the containers.
Store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat potato stew, use low heat on the stovetop.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, until heated through.
Stir halfway for even warmth.
Final Thoughts
Potato stew is a comforting and versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your preferences.
With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it makes for a satisfying meal any time of the year.
Whether you choose to stick to the classic recipe or experiment with additional vegetables and proteins, potato stew is sure to be a hit at your dining table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely, substitute sweet potatoes for regular ones. Peel, cube, and incorporate them after sautéing onions and garlic. Adjust seasoning to balance sweetness. Sweet potatoes may cook faster; monitor their tenderness to avoid overcooking. Enjoy the flavor variation.
What Wine Pairs Well With Potato Stew?
Choose a dry white wine, like Chardonnay, that complements root vegetables’ earthiness. Its acidity cuts through the stew’s richness. Avoid overly oaky wines; they overpower delicate flavors. Serve slightly chilled, enhancing aromatic compounds and flavor balance.
Is This Stew Suitable for a Vegan Diet?
Yes, this stew suits a vegan diet. Make certain you use vegetable broth and olive oil. Avoid any animal-derived ingredients. Adjust seasoning, making sure salt, pepper, and thyme enhance flavors. Remove bay leaf before resting. Serve hot.
How Can I Make This Stew Spicy?
Incorporate spice by adding 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during the sautéing step. For enhanced heat, introduce diced jalapeños with the bell pepper. Adjust according to heat preference, stirring thoroughly to distribute.
What Can I Serve Alongside Potato Stew?
Serve alongside crusty bread for texture contrast. Pair with a crisp green salad for freshness. Consider roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans for a complementary side. Offer a glass of red wine to enhance flavors.

Potato Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped bell pepper.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.