Quick Vegetarian Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner option that’s both hearty and satisfying, you’re in the right place! This Quick Vegetarian Stew is one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting without the fuss. It’s packed with flavors and nutrients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.

The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity and wholesome ingredients. It’s bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs, giving you a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious stew simmering away in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a cozy bowl of stew! It’s great for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later.
• Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with veggies and herbs, every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Quick Vegetarian Stew uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather what we need to create this delightful dish!

For the 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)

For the Flavor

• 3/4 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
• 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use light soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Henderson’s relish or vegan Worcestershire sauce

For the Stew

• 35g plain flour (1/3 cup)
• 160 ml apple vinegar (1 glass)
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and uniformly sliced
• 250g swede (1 ¾ cups), peeled and chopped into chunks
• 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 recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to adjust it based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens!
• Change Up the Herbs: Try using thyme or basil instead of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers.
• Swap the Protein: Add lentils or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.

How to Make Quick Vegetarian Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté them until they begin to soften—about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your stew!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Once your veggies are softened, stir in the garlic, rosemary, thyme, tomato paste, soy sauce, and Henderson’s relish. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. This is where all those wonderful aromas start to fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Thicken the Stew

Sprinkle in the flour while stirring continuously. This helps thicken your stew as it cooks. Gradually pour in the apple vinegar while continuing to stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Add in your parsnips, swede chunks, vegetable stock, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once your stew has thickened up nicely and all those flavors have melded together beautifully, remove from heat. Discard bay leaves before serving hot! Enjoy your heartwarming bowl of Quick Vegetarian Stew with crusty bread or over rice.

There you have it—a deliciously simple recipe that will warm both hearts and bellies! Enjoy sharing this delight with family or savoring it solo after a long day.

Pro Tips for Making Quick Vegetarian Stew

Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to make your Quick Vegetarian Stew even more enjoyable and flavorful.

• Prep Your Ingredients First: Before you start cooking, chop all your vegetables and gather your ingredients. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambles.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring a vibrant flavor to the stew that dried herbs simply can’t match. They add depth and aroma, making your dish feel even more comforting.

• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a bit more flour with some vegetable stock before adding it to the pot. This will help create that hearty texture without compromising flavor.

• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand—zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans can all be delightful additions. This makes the stew adaptable to seasonal produce or personal preferences.

• Let It Simmer: Patience is key! Allowing the stew to simmer for longer not only melds the flavors beautifully but also gives the vegetables time to soften perfectly.

How to Serve Quick Vegetarian Stew

Serving your Quick Vegetarian Stew is just as important as cooking it! Presenting the dish well can elevate its appeal and make mealtime feel special. Below are some ideas on how to present this comforting meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread complements the stew perfectly for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
• Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables seasoned with olive oil and herbs can enhance the meal’s flavor profile while keeping it healthy.
• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans seasoned with a sprinkle of sea salt add an extra layer of nutrition and color to your plate.
• Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of delicious stew while adding an aromatic touch.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy your Quick Vegetarian Stew in style. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick Vegetarian Stew is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and store it for later, ensuring you have a delicious, healthy dinner ready to go whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat from the fridge, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
• For frozen stew, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use a microwave-safe dish to reheat directly from frozen, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe.

Can I adjust the ingredients in this Quick Vegetarian Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or legumes based on what you have on hand. This stew is versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

How long does this Quick Vegetarian Stew last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Quick Vegetarian Stew will last for about 3 days in the fridge. It’s great for meal prep!

Is this stew gluten-free?

To make this stew gluten-free, simply replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Always check that your vegetable stock is also gluten-free.

Can I make this stew spicy?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. This will give your Quick Vegetarian Stew a nice kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Quick Vegetarian Stew! It’s not just hearty and comforting; it’s also a delightful way to incorporate more veggies into your meals. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a cozy gathering, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients. Happy cooking!