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Easy Classic Homemade Vegetable Stew Recipe with Simple Ingredient Swaps for Beginners

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A hearty and comforting vegetable stew that is quick, easy, and flexible with ingredient swaps, perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large potato, diced (Yukon Gold or sweet potato)
  • 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas or white beans (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash, peel, and chop all the vegetables uniformly.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Add diced onions and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, watching closely to avoid burning.
  5. Stir in carrots and potatoes, coating them in the oil and aromatics; cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and 1 cup water. Stir in diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. If using, add green beans and cooked beans about 10 minutes before the stew finishes cooking.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Adjust thickness by adding water or broth or simmering uncovered.
  10. Remove bay leaf, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve hot.

Notes

Uniform chopping ensures even cooking. Do not skip sautéing onions and garlic for depth of flavor. Simmer gently to avoid cloudy broth. Add salt gradually. Flavors deepen after a day, making leftovers even better. If potatoes are not tender after 30 minutes, continue simmering. Ingredient swaps are flexible: celery can be replaced with fennel or extra carrots; potatoes with parsnips or turnips; fresh garlic with garlic powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable stew, easy stew recipe, homemade stew, vegetarian stew, gluten-free stew, healthy stew, comfort food, simple ingredients

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-classic-homemade-vegetable-stew-recipe-with-simple-ingredient-swaps-for-beginners/