Vegetable Stew with Beans and Fresh Herbs

Vegetable Stew with Beans and Fresh Herbs

Vegetable stews are a comforting and wholesome dish that you can enjoy year-round. Packed with nutritious vegetables and tender beans, this stew is rich in flavor and simple to prepare. What makes this dish special is the combination of fresh herbs that add depth and aroma, creating a balance of earthy and bright flavors. It’s a perfect meal for those looking to enjoy something warm and filling without compromising on flavor.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a delicious vegetable stew with beans and fresh herbs, perfect for serving as a standalone meal or alongside your favorite sides. This stew can be easily customized with seasonal vegetables, and the beans provide a plant-based source of protein that will keep you full and satisfied.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 zucchinis, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Fresh Herbs:

• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme (or more dried thyme if fresh isn’t available)
• Fresh basil or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Vegetables

This stew is packed with vegetables that add texture and flavor. Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have everything prepped and ready to go:

1. Dice and chop the vegetables: Start by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots, and chopping the zucchinis, bell pepper, and green beans into bite-sized pieces.
2. Rinse the beans: Open the can of white beans and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess liquid. Set them aside for later.

2. Sautéing the Aromatics

To build the flavor of the stew, it’s crucial to start by sautéing the onions, garlic, and other aromatics. This step allows the natural sugars in the vegetables to caramelize, adding a depth of flavor to the dish.

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions: Add the diced onions to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing it to become fragrant.

3. Adding the Vegetables and Spices

Once the aromatics are ready, it’s time to add the vegetables and spices to begin building the base of the stew.

1. Add carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper: Toss in the carrots, zucchinis, and red bell pepper. Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
2. Season with spices: Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. These spices add warmth and depth to the stew, complementing the fresh vegetables.
3. Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the vegetables are submerged in the liquid.

4. Simmering the Stew

Simmering is where the magic happens, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.

1. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle boil.
2. Simmer and reduce heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Adding the Beans and Herbs

In the final steps, you’ll add the beans and fresh herbs to complete the dish.

1. Add the beans: Stir in the rinsed white beans and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. The beans will absorb the flavors of the stew while adding protein and texture.
2. Add fresh herbs: Toward the end of cooking, stir in the fresh parsley and thyme. This will brighten up the stew and infuse it with a fresh, herby aroma.

6. Adjusting the Seasoning and Serving

Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed.

1. Season to taste: Add more salt and pepper if necessary, depending on your taste preferences. If you like a bit of spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
2. Serve hot: Ladle the vegetable stew into bowls and garnish with more fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or basil. Serve warm with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Choose your beans: While white beans work wonderfully in this stew, you can substitute them with other types of beans such as chickpeas, kidney beans, or black beans.
• Vary the vegetables: This recipe is highly adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand. Add or substitute vegetables like potatoes, squash, or kale to suit your taste.
• Balance the flavor: The combination of tomatoes and broth provides a rich base for the stew. If you find the stew too acidic from the tomatoes, add a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Variations

This stew is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative with different flavors and ingredients:

• Add grains: For a heartier version, add cooked grains such as quinoa, farro, or rice to the stew. These grains will soak up the broth and make the dish even more filling.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of plant-based cream at the end of cooking.
• Boost the flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce to deepen the savory notes.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable stew is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Crusty bread: Serve the stew with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth.
• Grain bowls: Spoon the stew over a bed of cooked grains such as rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
• Green salad: Pair the stew with a fresh, crisp salad on the side for a light and balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Vegetable stew with beans and fresh herbs is a nourishing and delicious dish that’s perfect for any season. The combination of hearty vegetables, tender beans, and aromatic herbs creates a flavorful meal that’s both comforting and filling. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside other dishes, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

With its versatility and ease of preparation, this stew can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or as a leisurely weekend meal shared with friends and family. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, beans, and herbs to make the dish your own, and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this satisfying vegetable stew!