Chunky Vegetable Stew

Chunky Vegetable Stew Recipe - Vegetarian

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chunky Vegetable Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavorful seasonings, this stew is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you warm during the colder months.

History

Vegetable stew recipes have been around for centuries, with each culture putting its own unique spin on the dish. This particular Chunky Vegetable Stew recipe combines a variety of vegetables and seasonings to create a delicious and wholesome meal that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Ingredients

1 medium-sized bunch kale
2 tsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium-sized red onion, chopped
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, chopped
3 medium-sized unpeeled russet potatoes, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
1.5 cup dry vermouth
1 x 6 oz (170 g) pkg. sliced white mushrooms
1 medium-sized head cauliflower, cut into about 2 inches florets
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
3 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp tamari soy sauce
0.25 tsp lemon pepper

How to prepare

Strip the kale leaves from the stalks and rinse them thoroughly in a colander. Set them aside.
Heat the oil in a 5 qt (4.73 liter) Dutch oven or saucepan over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
Add the garlic, onions, and peppers to the pot and sauté them for 2 minutes. Then, add the potatoes.
Cook the mixture for 4 minutes and add the vermouth, mushrooms, and cauliflower.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes and add the kale. Mix everything thoroughly.
Continue cooking the mixture for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.
Coarsely chop the stewed tomatoes in a food processor. Add the tomatoes, thyme, and yeast to the kale mixture.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Stir it into the mixture along with the tamari and lemon pepper.
Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat and serve the dish.

Variations

Add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
Swap out the kale for spinach or Swiss chard.
Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly rinse the kale leaves to remove any dirt or debris.

- Chopping the vegetables into uniform pieces will ensure even cooking.

- Adding the cornstarch mixture at the end will help thicken the stew and give it a nice consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chunky Vegetable Stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of quinoa for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables before adding the liquid to enhance their flavor.

- Simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of dry vermouth.

- Substitute nutritional yeast with grated Parmesan cheese for a non-vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

The Chunky Vegetable Stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Chunky Vegetable Stew with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 4g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 7g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120% DV

- Vitamin C: 90% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

- Calcium: 10% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains soy.

Summary

Chunky Vegetable Stew is a nutrient-dense dish that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Summary

Chunky Vegetable Stew is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with a variety of vegetables and seasonings, this stew is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Chunky Vegetable Stew. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who lived in a cozy little cottage on the outskirts of town. As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the comforting aroma of simmering vegetables and herbs.

Martha, a seasoned cook with a passion for creating hearty and delicious meals, greeted me with a warm hug and a smile. "I'm so glad you're here, dear," she said, motioning for me to come into the kitchen. "I'm making a batch of my famous Chunky Vegetable Stew. You simply must try it!"

I eagerly followed Martha into the kitchen, where pots and pans were bubbling away on the stove. She began to chop carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes with practiced ease, explaining each step as she went along. "The key to a good vegetable stew is to chop your vegetables into big, chunky pieces," she said. "That way, they hold their shape and texture when cooked."

I watched in awe as Martha added in a generous helping of garlic, thyme, and rosemary, filling the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma. She then poured in a mixture of vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, letting the stew simmer and meld together for hours.

As the stew cooked, Martha regaled me with stories of how she had learned to make this dish. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, each cook adding their own twist and flavor to make it their own.

"My grandmother taught me how to make this stew when I was just a young girl," Martha said, a wistful look in her eye. "She used to make it for us on cold winter nights, warming us from the inside out. I've kept her recipe close to my heart ever since."

After hours of simmering, Martha ladled out steaming bowls of Chunky Vegetable Stew, garnishing each one with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I took a hesitant bite, savoring the rich flavors and tender vegetables that melted in my mouth. It was pure comfort in a bowl.

As I finished my bowl of stew, Martha handed me a handwritten recipe card, stained and well-loved from years of use. "Here," she said with a smile. "Now you can make this stew for your loved ones, just like I did for you."

I thanked Martha profusely, promising to cherish the recipe and pass it down to future generations. And true to my word, I did just that. I made the Chunky Vegetable Stew for my family on many occasions, each time adding my own touch and memories to the dish.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends, neighbors, and anyone else who has crossed my path. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the love and warmth that good food can bring to the table.

And as I sit here now, stirring a pot of Chunky Vegetable Stew on my own stove, I can't help but smile at the memories and moments that this simple recipe has brought into my life. It may have started with Martha, but it has truly become a part of me.