Easy Vegetable Stew Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, wholesome meal that warms the soul and celebrates fresh veggies, this Easy Vegetable Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with hearty baby yellow potatoes, tender mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and nutritious lentils, simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth. The balance of savory soy sauce and tangy balsamic vinegar adds a surprising depth that makes this stew truly memorable. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a simple weeknight craving, this stew delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction without a fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s where simplicity meets flavor. Each ingredient in this Easy Vegetable Stew Recipe plays a vital role — from building the base of aromatics to creating that thick, hearty texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery (mirepoix): The classic flavor trio that forms the foundational savory base for the stew.
• Baby Bella Mushrooms: Adds a rich, meaty texture and earthy flavor to make your stew more substantial.
• Fresh Garlic: Infuses the stew with a warm, aromatic punch; garlic powder can work if you’re in a pinch.
• Dried Herbs (thyme, oregano, sage): These herbs layer in classic, comforting flavors that brighten the dish.
• All-purpose Flour: Thickens the stew to create a luscious, stew-like consistency; corn starch slurry is a great gluten-free alternative.
• Balsamic Vinegar & Soy Sauce: Together, they deepen the flavor, providing a savory tang that mimics the heartiness of a traditional meat stew.
• Baby Yellow Potatoes: These cook quickly and add tender, buttery bites that soak up all the stew’s goodness.
• Red Lentils: Cook fast and become tender, giving the stew protein and creaminess without overpowering other flavors.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds a rich, tangy backbone to the stew, supporting the other ingredients beautifully.
• Vegetable Broth: The liquid that pulls everything together and keeps the stew light yet flavorful.
• Bay Leaves: Adds subtle complexity and aroma during the simmering process.

How to Make Easy Vegetable Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mirepoix

Start by heating oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and celery along with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Cook these vegetables slowly for about eight minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and fill your kitchen with that classic, inviting aroma. This step sets up the stew’s flavor foundation and develops sweetness from the veggies.

Step 2: Add Mushrooms, Garlic, and Herbs

Next, stir in the baby Bella mushrooms, freshly sliced garlic, and your dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage. Season again lightly with salt and pepper. Cook everything for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often so the garlic doesn’t burn and the mushrooms release their earthy juices. This step really builds that depth of flavor we all crave in a good stew.

Step 3: Coat with Flour

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over your sautéed vegetables and herbs. Stir constantly for about a minute to coat everything and start the roux that will thicken your stew. This quick step ensures that when you add liquids, the stew gains that perfect rich texture — without any lumps.

Step 4: Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar and Soy Sauce

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce to deglaze the pot, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This part of the recipe creates that umami-packed base reminiscent of a traditional beef stew’s savory depth, but fully vegan and bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Add Potatoes, Lentils, Tomato Sauce, Broth, and Bay Leaves

Now, add the diced baby yellow potatoes, red lentils, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and bay leaves into the pot. Sprinkle a few pinches of salt and pepper on top to season. Stir gently so everything combines without smashing the lentils or potatoes.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Turn up the heat just enough to bring the stew to a gentle simmer over medium-high. Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking, but be careful not to let it boil vigorously — you want a slow simmer. As the stew thickens and the potatoes and lentils become tender, the flavors marry beautifully into a soul-satisfying dish.

How to Serve Easy Vegetable Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives can brighten this dish wonderfully. For a creamy contrast, try a dollop of vegan sour cream or plain yogurt on top. These simple garnishes bring an extra layer of freshness and creaminess that balances the stew’s hearty richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs exceptionally well with crusty bread for sopping up the broth or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you want to turn it into a heartier meal, serve alongside warm quinoa or cooked brown rice for extra fiber and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve the stew in rustic bowls with a scattering of toasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower on top to add crunch. You can also ladle it over baked sweet potatoes or polenta for a comforting twist that makes the meal feel a little more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Vegetable Stew Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better, than the first day.

Freezing

If you want to keep this stew on hand for a quick meal later, you can freeze it for up to three months. Leave out any dairy-based garnishes before freezing, and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the stew gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different types of lentils in this stew?

Absolutely! While red lentils cook quickly and become tender, you can use brown or green lentils — just be sure to pre-cook them until almost tender before adding to the stew to avoid undercooked lentils.

Is it possible to make this stew gluten-free?

Yes. You can skip the all-purpose flour or replace it with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) to thicken the stew without gluten. This keeps the texture just as satisfying.

Can I substitute the vegetables if I don’t have some on hand?

Definitely! Vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or butternut squash can be great substitutes or additions. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since some vegetables take longer to soften.

What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?

If you’re not a fan of balsamic vinegar, red wine or apple cider vinegar work well as alternatives. Start with less and adjust to taste since these options have slightly different acidity and flavor profiles.

How long does it take to make this Easy Vegetable Stew Recipe?

The total cooking time is about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for weeknights when you want something nutritious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegetable Stew Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug and delivers on flavor, nutrition, and that irresistible homey comfort we all crave in our food. It’s approachable, flexible, and perfect for sharing around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it one of your own cozy favorites!

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