Quick Vegetarian Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Quick Vegetarian Stew is my go-to recipe when I need something hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where you want everyone to feel at home. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and spirit. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table too!

What makes this stew even more special is its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on what’s in your pantry or what fresh vegetables catch your eye at the market. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a regular day, this Quick Vegetarian Stew will bring comfort and joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, dinner is ready in about an hour!
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this flavorful stew filled with delicious veggies.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—great for lunch or dinner!
• Packed with flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and spices creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Wholesome ingredients: Made from fresh vegetables and plant-based staples, it’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Quick Vegetarian Stew is part of the fun! You’ll find that they are simple, wholesome, and easy to come by. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Stew Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium brown onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced (halve the slices if the carrots are large)
• 350g button chestnut mushrooms (4½ cups) (leave small ones whole and half larger ones)
• 3/4 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed

For Flavoring

• 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon henderson’s relish or vegan worcestershire sauce

For Thickening

• 35g plain flour (1/3 cup)

For Veggie Goodness

• 160 ml apple vinegar (1 glass)
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and uniformly sliced
• 250g swede (1 ¾ cups), peeled and chopped into chunks

For the Broth

• 800 ml vegetable stock (3 ⅓ cups, made with vegan bouillon)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this Quick Vegetarian Stew is how flexible it is! Feel free to adjust based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add some beans: Toss in a can of chickpeas or kidney beans for extra protein.
• Change up the veggies: Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk towards the end for a rich texture.

How to Make Quick Vegetarian Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent. This step is crucial because cooking them down helps release their natural sweetness—setting a delicious base for our stew!

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Next up, toss in the celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook these together until they start softening. This brings out their flavors while creating that comforting aroma that makes everyone gather around.

Step 3: Incorporate Herbs & Garlic

After about five minutes of cooking those veggies, stir in your fresh rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant. The herbs will infuse amazing flavor into your stew!

Step 4: Build Flavor with Tomato & Soy Sauce

Add in the tomato paste and soy sauce next. Stir well so everything combines beautifully. This step deepens the flavor profile of our stew!

Step 5: Thicken Up

Sprinkle in the flour over your mixture while stirring continuously. This helps thicken our stew as it cooks down.

Step 6: Add Liquids & Veggies

Pour in the apple vinegar followed by vegetable stock along with parsnips and swede chunks. Don’t forget those bay leaves! Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is where all those lovely flavors meld together.

Step 7: Simmer Away!

Let your stew simmer for about 45 minutes until all veggies are tender. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning by adding salt or pepper according to taste.

And there you have it! Your Quick Vegetarian Stew is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm with crusty bread or over rice for an extra comforting meal. Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Vegetarian Stew

Making a delicious stew can be both simple and rewarding! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Quick Vegetarian Stew turns out perfectly every time.

• Prep your ingredients first: Chopping vegetables ahead of time makes the cooking process smoother and allows you to focus on flavor development during the cooking phase.

• Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring a vibrant taste that dried versions can’t match. They really elevate the dish, making it aromatic and enticing.

• Don’t skip the tomato paste: This ingredient adds depth and richness to your stew, helping to balance the flavors of the vegetables. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference!

• Adjust seasoning to your taste: After simmering, take a moment to taste your stew. You can easily adjust with more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar for acidity if it needs brightening up.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stew to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience.

How to Serve Quick Vegetarian Stew

Serving up your Quick Vegetarian Stew is an opportunity to impress family and friends with its colorful presentation and hearty aroma. Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing note that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors.
• Crusty bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread alongside your stew for dipping. It complements the dish wonderfully and adds a lovely texture.

Side Dishes

• Couscous: Fluffy couscous makes an excellent side as it soaks up the stew’s juices, creating an inviting combination that feels like a warm hug.
• Steamed green beans: Their crispness provides a nice contrast to the soft vegetables in the stew while adding vibrant color and nutrients.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing is refreshing and adds protein, complementing the heartiness of your vegetarian stew beautifully.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a comforting option that pairs well with stews, providing that classic feel-good meal experience.

Now that you have everything you need, gather your ingredients and enjoy crafting this wholesome Quick Vegetarian Stew! It’s perfect for any night of the week when you want something hearty yet healthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick Vegetarian Stew is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and can be easily frozen, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknight dinners. Here’s how to store your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of each container for expansion as it freezes.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, heat in the microwave until steaming hot, about 2-3 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power.

FAQs

Have questions? We’ve got you covered!

Can I make this Quick Vegetarian Stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better when made a day ahead, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Just refrigerate after cooling and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Quick Vegetarian Stew?

You can enjoy this hearty stew on its own or serve it with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad. It also pairs wonderfully with grains like quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.

How long does Quick Vegetarian Stew last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Quick Vegetarian Stew will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

What’s a good alternative to mushrooms in this stew?

If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute them with diced zucchini or bell peppers. These veggies will add their own unique flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Quick Vegetarian Stew as much as I do! It’s not just a dish; it’s comfort food that warms your heart and nourishes your body. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with loved ones around your dinner table. Happy cooking!