There is something irresistibly comforting about a good, hearty stew, and the Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe is the perfect example of that cozy magic in a bowl. Bursting with vibrant colors and a medley of fresh vegetables, this stew brings together the sweet crunch of bell peppers, the tender bite of zucchini, and the warmth of aromatic herbs, creating a dish that’s both wholesome and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cool evening or want a nourishing, veggie-packed meal, this recipe captures the essence of summer’s bounty and turns it into a delicious experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe simple is part of its charm. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding depth, enhancing texture, or brightening the appearance of the stew. Fresh veggies, a dash of herbs, and a flavorful broth all come together to create an easy yet captivating dish.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing, it infuses the stew with a smooth, fruity richness.
- Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and savory foundation once softened.
- Garlic: Minced for bursts of pungent flavor that awaken the senses early on.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
- Yellow bell pepper: Balances the stew with warmth and mild flavor.
- Carrots: Bring a slight crunch and earthy taste that holds up well in simmering.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Offer tang and moisture, creating a luscious stew base.
- Zucchinis: Soft and tender, they absorb flavors beautifully while keeping things light.
- Vegetable broth: Enhances the stew’s depth with savory notes without overpowering.
- Dried thyme: Infuses herbal aroma and complexity that elevates every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out all the natural flavors.
How to Make Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onion becomes translucent and you can smell that wonderful fragrant aroma. This step builds the stew’s flavor base, preparing your kitchen for something truly comforting.
Step 2: Add the Carrots
Next, throw in the sliced carrots and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes. This initial cooking helps soften the carrots just enough so they blend seamlessly with the other veggies without losing their pleasant bite.
Step 3: Mix in Peppers and Zucchini
Now it’s time for the star vegetables: red and yellow bell peppers along with the diced zucchinis. Stir them in thoroughly so every piece is coated with the olive oil and flavorful onion-garlic mixture. These vegetables bring gorgeous colors and a refreshing crunch that makes the stew lively and inviting.
Step 4: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth
Pour the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth into the pot. Sprinkle in the dried thyme along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well — this is when the stew begins to take shape, with the liquid mingling with all those beautiful veggies.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, letting it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will soften perfectly and all those wonderful flavors will meld into a delicious harmony that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs more salt, pepper, or herbs. This final step ensures every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor before you ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil makes a fantastic garnish, adding a burst of color as well as a fresh herbal note that complements the stew’s richness perfectly. You can also experiment with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a grating of aged Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread is an absolute game changer — perfect for dipping up every last bit. It also pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, a light salad, or even some steamed rice to soak up the tasty broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation that feels extra special. Alternatively, ladling it over polenta or quinoa gives it a modern touch, making it both hearty and elegant for a casual dinner party or family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making leftovers just as delightful, if not more so, than the first serving.
Freezing
It also freezes wonderfully. Just cool the stew completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for 2 to 3 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to stir midway for even heating and add a splash of broth or water if it looks thickened.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes will add a slightly lighter and brighter flavor to the stew. Just be sure to peel and dice them, and you might need to cook the stew a bit longer to let everything soften properly.
Is this stew vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, the Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary preferences or restrictions. Just double-check your vegetable broth to ensure it meets your needs.
Can I add protein to this stew?
Definitely! Adding beans like chickpeas or white beans can boost protein while keeping it vegetarian. For non-vegetarians, shredded cooked chicken or diced sausage work wonderfully as well.
What’s the best way to thicken the stew?
If you like a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables with a fork or potato masher, or stir in a small mixture of cornstarch and water near the end of cooking to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Use the same ingredient list, add everything to your slow cooker, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Just add the vegetables in stages to prevent overcooking, starting with onions and carrots first.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe highly enough—it’s that perfect blend of simple ingredients elevated through thoughtful cooking and fresh flavors. It’s a dish that turns any mealtime into a warm, satisfying occasion, and with its vibrant veggies and hearty broth, it feels like a big, comforting hug from the inside out. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for easy, nourishing meals.
Print
Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and healthy Summer Vegetable Stew packed with fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Carrots: Stir in sliced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Peppers and Zucchini: Add diced zucchinis, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Stir well to combine all the vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to mix the flavors.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for extra freshness and color.
Notes
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked beans or lentils during the simmering step.
- This stew freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh herbs for garnishing to enhance the flavor just before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the vegetables gently with a spoon during the last few minutes of cooking.
