A Heartwarming Start
My Favorite is Cozy Vegetable Stew and I remember the first time I made this Cozy Vegetable Stew. It was a chilly evening, and the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and makes you crave something warm and comforting. I had just returned from the farmer’s market, my bags bursting with vibrant vegetables. As I unpacked the fresh produce, I felt inspired to create something that would not only warm me up but also nourish my soul. The idea of a hearty vegetable stew seemed perfect, and it wasn’t long before I was chopping onions and garlic, filling my kitchen with the savory aroma of comfort.
A Symphony of Flavors
As the stew simmered on the stove, I marveled at how such simple ingredients could transform into a deliciously rich and satisfying dish. The Yukon gold potatoes and red bell peppers added a lovely sweetness, while the frozen peas popped with a burst of freshness. The vegetable broth and diced tomatoes created a warm, flavorful base that made the kitchen smell incredible. I watched the vegetables soften and meld together, creating a colorful, inviting pot of stew that promised both warmth and a touch of Mediterranean magic.
A Touch of Freshness
While the stew was cooking, I took a moment to prepare the finishing touches. Chopping fresh parsley and squeezing a lemon added a bright, zesty note to the dish. The parsley’s aroma was invigorating, and the lemon juice gave the stew a refreshing twist that perfectly balanced the rich flavors. I loved how these simple additions made the stew not just a meal, but a celebration of freshness and flavor. I couldn’t wait to see how it would taste once everything was mixed together.
Serving Up Comfort
Finally, it was time to serve the stew. I ladled generous portions into bowls, drizzling each with a touch of extra virgin olive oil. As I took my first spoonful, I felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. The stew was everything I had hoped for: hearty, healthy, and full of comforting flavors. It was perfect for a cozy night in, and the leftovers were even better the next day. This Cozy Vegetable Stew had become one of my favorite go-to recipes, bringing warmth and comfort to many chilly evenings.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Cozy Vegetable Stew
- To make the cooking process smoother, prep all your vegetables before you start cooking. This helps in managing the timing and ensures even cooking.
- For an extra flavor boost, sauté the garlic and onions until they are caramelized before adding other vegetables. This step adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon, or use an immersion blender to blend part of the stew. This will give it a heartier texture without the need for
- Feel free to customize the stew with seasonal vegetables. Zucchini, green beans, or kale can be great additions. Just add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Adding a dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can enhance the creaminess and add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of cooked quinoa for a more filling meal.
Cozy Vegetable Stew
Dive into a bowl of this hearty and healthy vegetable stew! It’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with rich flavors from seasonal veggies. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pot wonder is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of Yukon gold potatoes, red bell peppers, and frozen peas creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes. This stew is a celebration of the Mediterranean diet, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
4
bowls10
minutes30
minutes250
kcal40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
Aromatic Base
2 tablespoons robust extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic cloves minced
2 ribs celery ribs coarsely chopped
2 carrots carrots sliced into thin rounds
Hearty Vegetables
3 medium Yukon gold potatoes cubed
1 red bell pepper cored and coarsely chopped
Seasonings
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Broth and Add-ins
1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
4 cups vegetable broth
Finishing Touches
1 cup fresh parsley leaves and tender stems chopped
1 Juice of 1 lemon
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables – Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Coarsely chop the celery ribs and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Cube the Yukon gold potatoes and core and chop the red bell pepper.
- Soften the Aromatics – Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Simmer the Stew – Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially to allow steam to escape. Let it simmer for 25-35 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Finish and Serve – Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice before serving. Drizzle each bowl with extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Dutch Oven
- vegetable peeler
- citrus juicer
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 900mg
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 120IU
- Vitamin C: 100mg
- Calcium: 8mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ-Cozy Vegetable Stew
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, you can make this stew ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute any of the vegetables?
Absolutely! You can use other seasonal vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all vegetables are tender.
How can I make the stew spicier?
If you prefer a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking. You can also use spicy diced tomatoes for an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth depending on your preference. If you’re not vegan, chicken or beef broth can add a different flavor dimension to the stew.
How can I make this stew heartier?
For a heartier stew, consider adding chickpeas or white beans. They will increase the protein content and make the stew more filling. You can also serve it with a side of whole-grain bread or over a bed of cooked quinoa.
