Craving a cozy, feel-good meal that manages to be both nourishing and absolutely packed with flavor? This Wholesome Vegetable Stew delivers everything you want in a comforting plant-based classic: color, texture, big savory taste, and a medley of your favorite garden veggies swimming in aromatic broth. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead dinner, a hearty lunch, or a satisfying way to enjoy vegetables, this stew checks every box – and it only gets better as it sits!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly vegetables and simple seasonings build deep, satisfying flavors. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for what it adds, whether it’s heartiness, brightness, sweetness, or a pop of color.
- Olive oil: Provides a lush base and boosts all the natural veggie flavors as they cook.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and forms the savory foundation of your stew.
- Garlic: Infuses everything with irresistible aroma and classic, earthy undertones.
- Carrots: Sweet, tender, and a must for their color as well as texture.
- Celery: Brings aromatic depth and a lovely gentle crunch.
- Potatoes: Turn the stew hearty by making it satisfyingly creamy and substantial.
- Zucchini: Softens beautifully and soaks up all the surrounding flavors.
- Red bell pepper: A bright, sweet pop of color and flavor in every bite.
- Green beans: Add a little snap for texture contrast.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Bring tang, body, and subtle acidity that balances the stew.
- Vegetable broth: The flavor-packed liquid that ties everything together; use low-sodium if desired.
- Dried thyme: Delivers woodsy herbal notes that round out the veggies beautifully.
- Dried oregano: For classic stew flavor and a perfect Mediterranean touch.
- Bay leaf: Adds depth and a subtle herbal fragrance to the simmering broth.
- Salt: Unlocks all the natural flavors; season to taste.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end to stay sweet, vibrant, and perfectly tender.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herby finish if you like an extra pop of green.
How to Make Wholesome Vegetable Stew
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add in your chopped onion and let it gently sizzle for three to four minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery; the veggies will soak up that aromatic foundation. Cook for about five more minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop sweetness and complexity that will infuse every spoonful of your Wholesome Vegetable Stew.
Step 2: Add Heartier Vegetables and Liquids
Next, mix in the diced potatoes, sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans, followed by the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all) and the vegetable broth. Now comes the fun: sprinkle in thyme, oregano, the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the seasonings dissolve into the broth and the vegetables begin to mingle, promising a layered, flavorful stew.
Step 3: Simmer Until Everything is Tender
Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers lazily. Cover with a lid, leaving a bit of space for steam to escape, and let the stew bubble away for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for all the vegetables to be fork-tender and the flavors deeply melded. At this point, your kitchen will smell undeniably inviting!
Step 4: Add Peas and Adjust Seasoning
Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the frozen peas. These give pops of sweetness and a bright green touch. Let the peas warm through for about five minutes so they stay vibrant and slightly firm. Now’s the moment to taste – add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed, adjusting to suit your preference.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for an herbal flourish. Ladle your Wholesome Vegetable Stew generously into bowls and get ready for comfort in every bite!
How to Serve Wholesome Vegetable Stew
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even dill takes the presentation (and freshness) to new heights. Try a swirl of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread, especially a good sourdough or whole grain loaf, makes the perfect partner for soaking up every bit of stew. You can also serve the stew over brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or alongside a crisp leafy salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Wholesome Vegetable Stew in hollowed out bread bowls for a fun, restaurant-worthy touch. For entertaining, ladle the stew into mini mugs or cups as a hearty appetizer, or top with a dollop of vegan pesto or a sprinkle of your favorite toasted nuts for crunch and contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 5 days; in fact, the flavors deepen, making leftovers even more scrumptious!
Freezing
Wholesome Vegetable Stew freezes beautifully! Ladle cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat stew in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. You can also warm individual portions in the microwave. Stir well and check that it’s piping hot before serving.
FAQs
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! The beauty of Wholesome Vegetable Stew is its flexibility. Try adding sweet potatoes, mushrooms, corn, kale, or spinach. Just adjust simmering time to make sure everything is tender but not mushy.
Is there a way to make this stew more filling?
For extra protein and heartiness, stir in a can of drained chickpeas, white beans, or kidney beans along with the potatoes. You can also add cooked lentils for a protein boost.
What if I want my stew spicier?
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño tossed in with the onions will add gentle heat. Or, try a swirl of your favorite hot sauce when serving for maximum customization.
Can I make Wholesome Vegetable Stew in advance?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better made ahead, as the flavors meld and deepen. Prepare the whole stew, then cover and refrigerate; simply reheat gently before serving.
Is Wholesome Vegetable Stew gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is entirely gluten-free as written (just double check your vegetable broth ingredients). Pair with gluten-free bread or grains if needed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Wholesome Vegetable Stew a spot in your recipe rotation! It’s endlessly adaptable, packed with nutrition, and guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort to your table. One big pot is all you need – happy cooking!
Print
Wholesome Vegetable Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Wholesome Vegetable Stew is a hearty and nutritious plant-based dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables and flavorful herbs, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Vegetable Stew:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add vegetables: Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Add potatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, green beans, tomatoes, broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Finish: Remove bay leaf, add peas, and cook for 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can add canned beans like chickpeas or kidney beans for extra protein.
- This stew freezes well and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
