Description
A wholesome and flavorful vegetable stew packed with summer vegetables, herbs, and chickpeas. This vegan, one-pot meal is perfect for a healthy dinner, combining fresh produce and aromatic spices to create a comforting and nutritious dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Legumes
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of ½ lemon
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, forming a flavorful base for the stew.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, diced zucchini, yellow squash, chopped red bell pepper, and green beans. Cook the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still retain some texture.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Mix in the diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the Stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook the stew for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Finish with Chickpeas and Spinach: Add the drained chickpeas and fresh spinach to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chickpeas are heated through, enhancing both texture and nutrition.
- Season and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the fresh chopped parsley and freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness. Serve hot and enjoy your wholesome vegetable stew.
Notes
- Swap in seasonal vegetables like corn, peas, or kale according to availability and preference.
- For extra protein, substitute chickpeas with white beans or lentils.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and deepen.