Quick Vegetarian Stew

If you’re looking for a comforting and nourishing meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! This Quick Vegetarian Stew is a go-to recipe in my home. It’s not only packed with wholesome ingredients, but it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this hearty stew, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation!

This recipe shines with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this stew will warm your heart and fill your belly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love.
• Packed with Flavor: Fresh herbs and vegetables bring life to this dish, ensuring every bite is delightful.
• Family-Friendly: This stew is great for all ages; even picky eaters will enjoy the comforting flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores well in the fridge for leftovers or can be frozen for future meals.
• Customizable: Feel free to adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is part of the fun! They are all simple and wholesome, making it easy to create a delightful dish. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this Quick Vegetarian Stew:

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

For Thickness

• 35g plain flour (1/3 cup)
• 160 ml apple vinegar (1 glass)

For Vegetables

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

For 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! You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or your tastes.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Switch Up the Herbs: Use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available—oregano or basil work beautifully too!
• Include Beans: Add canned chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein boost.

How to Make Quick Vegetarian Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they become translucent. This step is important because it brings out their natural sweetness, which forms a wonderful base for our stew.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Next up, toss in the celery and carrots. Stir them around for about five minutes until they start softening. Then add those luscious mushrooms along with rosemary, thyme, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, and henderson’s relish. Cooking these together enhances the flavors and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!

Step 3: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle in the flour while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will help thicken our stew later on. After about two minutes of cooking, pour in the apple vinegar slowly—this adds a lovely tanginess that balances all those savory flavors.

Step 4: Pour in Stock & Simmer

Now it’s time to pour in your vegetable stock along with parsnips, swede chunks, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes. This is where all those wonderful flavors meld together!

Step 5: Final Touches

Once your stew has thickened and everything is tender, taste it! Adjust seasoning if needed—maybe adding more salt or pepper according to your preference. Remove bay leaves before serving.

And there you have it! A heartwarming Quick Vegetarian Stew that’s bound to become one of your favorites too. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Vegetarian Stew

Cooking a quick vegetarian stew can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some ideas to help you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, when it’s time to cook, you can simply toss everything into the pot without any delays!

• Layer Your Flavors: Start by sautéing the onions until they’re golden brown before adding other ingredients. This will enhance their sweetness and build a rich base for your stew.

• Adjust Consistency: If you find your stew is too thick, add a bit more vegetable stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a little longer to thicken up.

• Experiment with Herbs: While the recipe calls for rosemary and thyme, feel free to explore other herbs like parsley or basil. Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish and give it an extra flavor kick!

• Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allowing your stew to simmer for at least 45 minutes helps all the flavors meld together beautifully, making each spoonful comforting and delicious.

How to Serve Quick Vegetarian Stew

Serving your quick vegetarian stew creatively can make mealtime even more enjoyable! Here are some delightful ideas on how to present this hearty dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the flavors perfectly.
• Lemon Zest: A light sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving brightens up the dish with a zesty kick that balances the earthiness of the stew.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread alongside your stew for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth!
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a splash of lemon makes for a refreshing contrast to the warm stew.
• Steamed Greens: Simple steamed greens such as spinach or kale provide a nutritious side that complements the heartiness of the stew while adding some vibrant color to your plate.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs is an excellent accompaniment that absorbs the rich flavors of the stew wonderfully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your comforting bowl of quick vegetarian stew! 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 busy weeknights. Here’s how to handle leftovers and keep your stew tasting fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will last for up to 4 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners.
• Allow the stew to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the stew cool down to room temperature.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it in a bowl covered with a microwave-safe lid—heat in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Got questions about this Quick Vegetarian Stew? Here are some common ones that might help!

Can I customize the vegetables in the Quick Vegetarian Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even green beans can make great additions.

How long does it take to cook the Quick Vegetarian Stew?

The total time is about 70 minutes, including both prep and cooking time. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Is this Quick Vegetarian Stew suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This stew is ideal for meal prepping as it stores well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Can I make this Quick Vegetarian Stew gluten-free?

You can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free flour and ensuring your vegetable stock is gluten-free as well.

What can I serve with this Quick Vegetarian Stew?

It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or even over quinoa or rice for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Quick Vegetarian Stew as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl—a comforting dish that brings family and friends together. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or shared with loved ones, I’m sure it’ll hit the spot. Happy cooking!