If you’re on the hunt for a dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the season, look no further than this Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe. Bursting with colorful veggies and infused with aromatic herbs, this stew is a comforting hug in a bowl that showcases fresh, natural ingredients in the most delicious way. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends on a warm evening, this recipe offers a light yet satisfying meal with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart and soul of this stew. Each component plays a crucial role — from the tender carrots adding a subtle sweetness to the green beans that contribute a bright snap, every ingredient combines to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing, it adds a rich, fruity flavor that carries the vegetables beautifully.
- Onion: Diced and softened, it creates a savory foundation with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to release their fragrant punch, enhancing depth.
- Carrots: Sliced for sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the stew.
- Celery stalks: Adds a subtle earthiness and crunch.
- Red bell pepper: Chopped for a pop of color and a mild, fruity bite.
- Zucchini: Diced to bring softness and absorb the stew’s aromatic broth.
- Yellow squash: Similar to zucchini but adds a let of sunny yellow, boosting visual appeal.
- Tomatoes: Chopped to contribute acidity and juicy freshness.
- Green beans: Trimmed and cut bite-size, these add a delightful snap and bright green hue.
- Vegetable broth: Four cups to simmer everything together, creating a soul-warming base.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle, herbaceous note that partners perfectly with vegetables.
- Dried basil: Offers a sweet, peppery fragrance that lifts the overall flavor.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a slight earthiness and depth during simmering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all other flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, bringing a fresh, herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them gently until they soften and release their sweet, inviting aroma — about three minutes. This step creates a flavorful base that the rest of the stew builds upon.
Step 2: Build the Vegetable Medley
Next, toss in the sliced carrots, celery, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté everything together for about five minutes so the veggies start to tenderize and their natural sweetness awakens, adding layers of flavor and texture to the stew.
Step 3: Add More Fresh Vegetables
Now it’s time for the zucchini, yellow squash, chopped tomatoes, and green beans. Cook these for about three minutes to help release juices and soften slightly, blending their flavors with the aromatic base you’ve created.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Herbs
Pour in the vegetable broth, then stir in dried thyme, dried basil, and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Bring the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer uncovered. Let it gently cook for 25 to 30 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and those wonderful herbs have infused every spoonful.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving, remove the bay leaf to avoid any bitter bites. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that perfectly complements the stew’s rich, simmered flavors.
How to Serve Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic choice, but feel free to add a dollop of vegan sour cream or a handful of chopped fresh basil for extra flair. These garnishes bring even more freshness and elevate the stew’s presentation.
Side Dishes
This Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a heartier option, serve it over fluffy rice or couscous, which complement the light, vegetable-forward nature of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stew in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a rustic, fun vibe. Alternatively, ladle it over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to turn it into a satisfying comfort meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring it back to its cozy, soupy consistency.
FAQs
Can I add beans or legumes to this stew?
Absolutely! Adding canned chickpeas or white beans is a fantastic way to boost the protein content and make the stew even more filling without compromising its fresh, veggie-centric character.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies on pure vegetables and vegetable broth. Just double-check your broth ingredients to be sure.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Definitely. After sautéing the onion and garlic, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until veggies are tender.
What vegetables can I substitute or add?
This recipe is versatile — feel free to include corn, potatoes, eggplant, or even kale for varying textures and flavors based on your preferences and what’s in season.
How spicy is this stew?
This stew is mild by design to highlight the natural sweetness and herbs of summer vegetables. You can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh produce and simple cooking that brings comforting warmth without heaviness. It’s perfect for savoring the best of the season’s bounty, and I truly hope you give it a try — it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and healthy Summer Vegetable Stew packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for a light and nourishing vegan meal. This gluten-free stew is simmered on the stovetop to meld the flavors into a comforting dish ideal for warm weather dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Root and Base Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, sliced celery, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté together for an additional 5 minutes to develop flavors and soften the vegetables.
- Add Summer Vegetables: Incorporate the diced zucchini, yellow squash, chopped tomatoes, and green beans. Cook for 3 more minutes to release their juices and aromas.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish the stew with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- This stew is highly versatile; add ingredients like corn, potatoes, or eggplant for varied texture and flavor.
- For a protein boost, mix in canned chickpeas or white beans during the simmering stage.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a more filling meal.
