How to Cook a Hearty Vegetable Stew with Fresh Herbs
Introduction
Vegetable stew is a nutritious and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs, this hearty stew is not only satisfying but also easy to make. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to prepare a flavorful vegetable stew using fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs
Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the vegetable stew into bowls and serve hot. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty bread or cooked grains. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Making a Delicious Vegetable Stew
- Use a variety of vegetables to add different textures and flavors to the stew.
- Feel free to customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- You can add protein sources like beans or tofu to make the stew more filling.
- Make a big batch of vegetable stew and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy meals later on.