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Cozy No Seasonal Peak Vegetable Stew

no seasonal peak vegetable stew - featured image

A comforting vegetable stew featuring tender carrots, potatoes, celery, and tomatoes in a gently thickened broth, perfect for any time of year with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes or equivalent fresh peeled and chopped tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, a pinch
  • Optional: Lemon juice, a squeeze

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut the carrots and potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks. Dice the onion finely, slice the celery, and mince the garlic. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them before chopping.
  2. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, ensuring the onion is soft but not browned.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes, stirring to coat them with the spiced oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to start softening and sealing in flavor.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and about 4 cups (960 ml) of vegetable broth. Stir everything together. The stew should just cover the vegetables — add a little more broth or water if needed.
  6. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth thickens slightly and the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Test fork tenderness around 30 minutes.
  7. Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Add salt and pepper as needed. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors if desired.
  8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Serve warm with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Notes

Do not rush sautéing the onions and celery to build flavor. Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Simmer uncovered to thicken broth naturally. Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering longer. Optional smoked paprika adds cozy depth. Can be adapted with seasonal vegetables or protein additions like beans. Slow cooker method also possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable stew, comfort food, easy stew, vegan stew, gluten-free, no seasonal vegetables, healthy stew, homemade stew