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- Olive oil - Onion - Carrots - Celery - Garlic - Zucchini - Bell pepper - Green beans - Diced tomatoes - Vegetable broth - Herbs and spices - Chickpeas - Greens - Optional garnish: fresh parsley Gathering the right ingredients is key. I love using fresh vegetables for depth and flavor. Here’s what you will need: - Start with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps to sauté your base. - Use 1 medium onion, diced. It adds great sweetness and depth. - Don't forget 2 sliced carrots. They bring a lovely color and texture. - Use 2 stalks of diced celery for crunch. - Add 3 cloves of minced garlic for a strong flavor punch. - 1 diced zucchini adds a nice soft texture. - Pick any color of bell pepper, chopped. It adds sweetness and color. - Include 1 cup of trimmed green beans for a fresh bite. - Use 1 can of diced tomatoes, with juices, for a rich base. - Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth for a hearty liquid. - Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for flavor. - Toss in 1 bay leaf for extra aroma. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Use 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained, for protein. - Finally, add 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale for greens. - For garnish, you can use fresh parsley to brighten the dish. These ingredients work together to create a warm, comforting stew. Each one adds its own flavor and nutrients to the mix. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating olive oil and sautéing onion Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. 2. Adding carrots, celery, and garlic Next, stir in 2 sliced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for another 5 minutes until they soften a bit. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 more minute until you smell its rich aroma. 3. Incorporating zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes Now, toss in 1 diced zucchini and 1 chopped bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. After that, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with juices. Stir well to mix everything. 1. Pouring in vegetable broth and seasoning Add 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. 2. Simmering the stew Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and deepen, making the stew taste amazing. 1. Adding chickpeas and greens After simmering, add 1 can of rinsed and drained chickpeas. Toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender. 2. Checking seasoning and garnishing Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy the warmth of this comforting dish! - Sautéing techniques for flavor enhancement: Start by heating olive oil. Add the onion and cook until soft. The key is to let the onions caramelize a bit. This adds a sweet, rich flavor to your stew. - Proper seasoning advice: Season as you go. Use salt and pepper after each step. This helps build layers of flavor. Don’t forget to taste! Adjust seasoning before serving. - Adjusting consistency and thickness: If the stew is too thick, add more vegetable broth. For a thicker stew, mash some chickpeas against the pot. This adds creaminess without using dairy. - Ideal accompaniments for the stew: Serve it with crusty bread. The bread soaks up the tasty broth. You can also try a fresh green salad on the side. This adds a nice crunch and freshness. - Alternate serving styles, such as with bread or over rice: You can serve the stew over rice or quinoa. This adds more texture and makes it heartier. For a cozy meal, serve it in deep bowls with a sprinkle of parsley on top. Pro Tips Use Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables for optimal flavor and freshness. This not only enhances the taste but also supports local agriculture. Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a portion of the chickpeas against the pot’s side to create a creamier texture. Flavor Boosting: For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Make it Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors develop. {{image_2}} You can easily make this stew vegan and gluten-free. The base ingredients are already plant-based. Use vegetable broth that is gluten-free. For a low-sodium version, choose low-sodium vegetable broth. You can also skip added salt or use herbs for flavor. Seasonal vegetables can add variety and flavor. Try using squash in summer or root veggies in winter. Sweet potatoes or parsnips work well! You can swap chickpeas for other beans like lentils or black beans. This boosts protein and offers a new taste. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. This stew invites creativity and uses what’s fresh. To keep your hearty harvest vegetarian stew fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow the stew to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to store the stew longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave space for expansion. The stew can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your stew again, you can reheat it easily. Here are my top methods: - Stovetop: Pour the stew into a pot. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until it's hot. - Microwave: Place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. These methods will help keep the stew's texture and flavor intact. Enjoy your delicious meals again! Vegetarian stew lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the stew fresh and safe to eat. Yes, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery on the stove. Then, add all the other ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for six to eight hours. Many vegetables work well in vegetarian stew. Some great options include: - Carrots - Zucchini - Bell peppers - Green beans - Spinach or kale You can mix and match based on your taste and what you have on hand. Yes, you can skip the chickpeas if you want. The stew will still taste great. If you need protein, try adding lentils or another bean. This keeps the stew filling and nutritious. This vegetarian stew is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. We explored each step, from prepping to serving. I shared tips to enhance your dish and suggested ways to modify it for different diets. Proper storage and reheating tips ensure you enjoy leftovers without losing taste. Remember, feel free to play with ingredients based on what you have. Cooking should be fun and personalized! Enjoy your hearty stew, crafted with care and creativity.

Hearty Harvest Vegetarian Stew

A comforting and nutritious vegetarian stew packed with seasonal vegetables and hearty chickpeas.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 number carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 number zucchini, diced
  • 1 number bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 number bay leaf
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the sliced carrots and diced celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften slightly.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  • Incorporate the diced zucchini and chopped bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the vegetable broth, stirring well to combine.
  • Add the green beans, dried thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Add the chickpeas and fresh spinach (or kale) to the pot, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.

Notes

Serve the stew in deep bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. Enjoy warm for a cozy meal!
Keyword comfort food, healthy, stew, vegetarian