Quick Vegetarian Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming meal that’s quick to whip up on those busy weeknights, then this Quick Vegetarian Stew is exactly what you need. It’s one of my go-to recipes, not just because it’s packed with flavor but also because it brings everyone together around the table. The aroma of fresh herbs and vegetables simmering away is simply irresistible and makes your kitchen feel like home.

This stew is perfect for family gatherings or even a simple dinner for yourself after a long day. It’s comforting, nutritious, and the best part? It requires minimal prep time! So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that I know you’ll love just as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This stew comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with wholesome ingredients, even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this delicious dish.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this stew in advance and reheat it for a quick dinner later.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: With fresh herbs and hearty vegetables, every bite is bursting with flavor and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful stew. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Stew

• 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)
• 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 (use light soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon henderson’s relish or vegan worcestershire sauce
• 35g plain flour (1/3 cup)
• 160 ml apple vinegar (1 glass)
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and uniformly sliced
• 250g swede (1 ¾ cups), peeled and chopped into chunks
• 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

This Quick Vegetarian Stew is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
• Switch Up the Veggies: Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers instead of swede or parsnips.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your stew.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for an added burst of flavor.

How to Make Quick Vegetarian Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery first. Sauté them until they soften—about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds a flavorful base for your stew.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Mushrooms

Next, toss in the sliced carrots and mushrooms. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices. This adds depth to our stew.

Step 3: Incorporate Herbs and Garlic

Now it’s time to add those fragrant fresh herbs along with minced garlic. Stir them in well so that they can infuse their flavors into the mixture. Cook for about a minute until you smell that wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 4: Create the Broth

Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, Henderson’s relish (or vegan Worcestershire sauce), and plain flour. Mix everything well to coat the veggies evenly. Then pour in the apple vinegar gradually while stirring to avoid lumps. This helps balance out all those savory flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Pour in the vegetable stock along with bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 40-45 minutes until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Serve Your Stew

Once everything is cooked through, taste your stew one last time; adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaves before ladling generous portions into bowls. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice – enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Vegetarian Stew

Cooking can be a joyful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your Quick Vegetarian Stew to an entirely new level!

• Prep ingredients ahead of time: Chopping vegetables in advance saves you precious minutes on busy weeknights. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully while cooking.

• Use fresh herbs for flavor: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring a vibrant taste to your stew that dried herbs just can’t match. They enhance the overall aroma and freshness of the dish.

• Adjust seasoning as you go: Tasting your stew throughout the cooking process ensures that flavors are balanced and tailored to your preference. This is especially important with salt and pepper.

• Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies or whatever you have on hand. This not only keeps things interesting but also makes your stew more nutritious.

• Let it simmer: Allowing your stew to simmer longer (if time permits) helps build deeper flavors. The longer it cooks, the more delicious it becomes as the ingredients meld together.

How to Serve Quick Vegetarian Stew

Serving your stew can be just as fun as preparing it! Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs adds color and a burst of freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the stew.

• A dollop of vegan sour cream: Adding a spoonful of dairy-free sour cream can provide a creamy contrast that complements the hearty texture of the stew.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. Try whole grain or sourdough for added flavor!

• Quinoa salad: Tossed with fresh veggies and a zingy lemon vinaigrette, quinoa salad makes a great side that adds a light, refreshing element to your meal.

• Steamed green beans: Simple yet elegant, steamed green beans add a beautiful pop of color and crunch, balancing out the heartiness of the stew.

• Simple green salad: A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing brings a refreshing contrast to the warm stew, enhancing the overall dining experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Quick Vegetarian Stew will not only be quick and easy but also an absolute delight at any dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick Vegetarian Stew is perfect for meal prep! It holds up well, allowing you to enjoy delicious, hearty meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing

• Allow the stew to cool fully before transferring it to the freezer.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some room for expansion.
• The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or use a microwave-safe dish to defrost quickly.
• Ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making a Quick Vegetarian Stew.

Can I make this Quick Vegetarian Stew in advance?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better after sitting for a day, making it ideal for meal prep.

What can I add to my Quick Vegetarian Stew?

Feel free to include your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also add legumes for extra protein!

How long does Quick Vegetarian Stew last in the fridge?

Your Quick Vegetarian Stew will last about 4 days in the fridge when stored properly.

Can I freeze Quick Vegetarian Stew?

Yes! This stew freezes beautifully. Just ensure it’s cooled down before transferring it into freezer-safe containers.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Quick Vegetarian Stew as much as I do! It’s not just a dish; it’s a comforting embrace on a busy weeknight. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations with me!