Hearty Vegetable Stew Recipe

Vegetable stew is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. This recipe provides a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one pot, ensuring a warm and hearty meal on cold winter days or an easy-to-prepare option for busy weeknight dinners.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 generous portions

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced thinly
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water as needed

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together gently so that all the vegetables are coated with the oil. Allow this mixture to cook for another 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Mince the garlic and add it into the pot along with the diced tomatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and enough water to cover the ingredients by about an inch if necessary. If your stove has a lid, put one on top of the pot; otherwise, ensure that the pot is covered properly.

Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing heat down to low so as not to burn it. Let simmer uncovered for approximately 45 minutes -1 hour until all vegetables are soft and tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally during cooking but especially towards the end of the time frame to prevent sticking.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, you could add some ground cumin or dried oregano. If you prefer more heat in your stew, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper at the beginning.

• To enhance the dish's nutritional profile further, consider incorporating leafy greens such as spinach or kale right before serving; these will retain their vibrant color and texture better if added close to the end of cooking.
• For those who love herbs more than spices, try substituting half of the paprika with fresh parsley instead.

Nutritional Information

The exact nutritional values may vary slightly based on ingredient choices but generally speaking, this hearty vegetable stew is rich in vitamins A and C from carrots and tomatoes respectively. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates along with dietary fiber which helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Garlic contributes beneficial compounds like allicin that support heart health.

Vegetable stews are perfect for leftovers too! Once cooled completely, they can be stored in the refrigerator up to five days or frozen for up to three months. Reheating is easy; simply place your container in a cold oven preheated at 325°F (163°C), then gradually raise it until it reaches 400°F (204°C). This method ensures that the stew heats evenly without overcooking or burning.

Conclusion

A homemade vegetable stew is not only comforting but also nutritious, providing a balance of essential nutrients in an appealing dish. Whether enjoyed solo as a side meal or paired with crusty bread and cheese, it offers great versatility across different occasions. Experimenting with additional spices or ingredients according to personal preference can transform this base recipe into something truly unique.