Quick Vegetarian Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy and fulfilling meal that pleases everyone at the table, you’ll absolutely adore this Quick Vegetarian Stew. It’s one of those recipes that warms your soul and makes the kitchen smell heavenly as it simmers away. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this stew is not just easy to whip up but also packed with wholesome ingredients that are sure to satisfy.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to clean out the fridge while still enjoying a delicious dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—just make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This stew is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making dinner stress-free.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Cook a large pot on the weekend and enjoy leftovers all week long.
• Delicious Flavor: A blend of fresh herbs and savory vegetables creates a comforting taste that feels like home.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with veggies, this stew is not only tasty but also good for you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will make your cooking experience even more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to create your Quick Vegetarian Stew:

Vegetables

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

Aromatics & Seasonings

• 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 (used light soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon henderson’s relish or vegan worcestershire sauce

Liquid Ingredients

• 35g plain flour (1/3 cup)
• 160 ml apple vinegar (1 glass)
• 800 ml vegetable stock (3 ⅓ cups, made with vegan bouillon)
• 2 dried bay leaves

Final Touches

• 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 its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have available or what flavors you prefer.

• Add More Greens: Toss in some leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce if you crave some heat in your stew.
• Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked lentils or beans to make the stew even heartier and increase its protein content.

How to Make Quick Vegetarian Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onion and celery, sautéing them until they soften and become fragrant. This step is important because it builds the base flavor for your stew.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Mushrooms

Once the onion is translucent, stir in the sliced carrots and mushrooms. Cook until they start to release their moisture. The mushrooms add great texture while absorbing all those lovely flavors!

Step 3: Incorporate Herbs and Seasoning

Next, mix in the fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, and henderson’s relish. Stir everything together well so that each ingredient gets coated. This will give your stew its rich aroma.

Step 4: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle in the plain flour while stirring continuously. This will help thicken your stew later on. Let it cook for another minute to get rid of any raw flour taste.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the apple vinegar along with vegetable stock. Then add parsnips, swede chunks, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Simmer Away!

Reduce heat to low and let your stew simmer uncovered for about 40-50 minutes. Stir occasionally until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy this time—it fills your home with delicious scents!

Now all that’s left is to serve up your Quick Vegetarian Stew! I promise it will warm both hearts and bellies—enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Vegetarian Stew

Making a delicious stew can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips! Here are some tricks to enhance your cooking experience.

• Prep Your Veggies Ahead: Chopping your vegetables in advance can save you time during the busy week. Having everything ready to go means less stress when it’s time to cook.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme not only add vibrant flavors but also elevate the overall aroma of the stew. Fresh herbs have more potency than dried ones and make your dish feel special.

• Adjust Seasonings Early: Taste the stew as it cooks! This allows you to adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt or pepper, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.

• Consider Texture Variations: For added depth, consider adding beans or lentils to the mix. They provide protein and a satisfying texture that complements the vegetables beautifully.

• Let It Simmer: Allowing your stew to simmer longer enhances the flavors. The longer it cooks, the more the ingredients meld together, resulting in a hearty, comforting dish.

How to Serve Quick Vegetarian Stew

Serving your Quick Vegetarian Stew is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary sides that enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful ideas!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the stew.
• Lemon Zest: Adding a touch of lemon zest just before serving brightens up the dish and provides a refreshing contrast that enhances all those savory notes.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the stew. It soaks up all those delicious juices and makes for an indulgent experience.

• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stew while adding a refreshing crunch.

• Quinoa or Rice: Serving your stew over fluffy quinoa or rice makes it heartier and adds a lovely texture. Both options are great for soaking up all that flavorful broth!

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts bring additional flavor and nutrition to your meal while complementing the stew perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Quick Vegetarian Stew will not only satisfy but also impress! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick Vegetarian Stew is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a hearty and healthy dinner throughout the week. You can cook a big batch and store it conveniently for those busy nights when cooking feels overwhelming.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion out the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, you can use the microwave; heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each interval until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

How long does it take to make Quick Vegetarian Stew?

The total time to prepare this Quick Vegetarian Stew is about 70 minutes, which includes 15 minutes of prep time and 55 minutes of cooking.

Can I add more vegetables to my Quick Vegetarian Stew?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even leafy greens to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Is Quick Vegetarian Stew suitable for freezing?

Yes! This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in freezer-safe containers or bags.

What can I serve with Quick Vegetarian Stew?

This delicious stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh side salad. Feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Quick Vegetarian Stew! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction without any hassle. Remember, this recipe is not just about filling your belly; it’s about enjoying wholesome ingredients and flavors that nourish both body and soul. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy cooking!