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Wholesome Summer Vegetable Stew

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A vibrant and fresh summer vegetable stew made with garden-fresh produce, herbs, and a touch of smoked paprika. This comforting and light stew is perfect for busy weeknights and showcases the best of seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 medium zucchini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes with juice
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in carrots, red bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for 5–7 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
  4. Add zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4 minutes to allow tomatoes to release juices and zucchini to soften.
  5. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
  6. Add fresh thyme leaves, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the stew to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until stew thickens slightly and flavors meld. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  8. Just before serving, stir in fresh basil and squeeze in juice from half a lemon to brighten the stew.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Serve warm, ladled into bowls, optionally with crusty bread or a light salad.

Notes

Sauté onions and garlic slowly to bring out sweetness. Layer vegetables by cooking time to maintain texture. Simmer gently to avoid mushy veggies. Mash a few tomatoes against the pot side for thicker broth if desired. Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors. Prep veggies ahead to speed up cooking. For protein, add cooked chickpeas or beans near the end. Can be made in a slow cooker by browning onions and garlic first, then cooking on low for 4 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer vegetable stew, fresh vegetable stew, easy vegetable stew, healthy stew, vegan stew, gluten-free stew, garden vegetables, quick dinner, plant-based

Find it online: https://larameals.com/wholesome-summer-vegetable-stew-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-fresh-flavor/