Are you looking for a nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any day of the week? Look no further than this One Pot Veggie Bean Stew! Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this delightful dish in just one pot.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. - Add Garlic and Vegetables:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add the sliced carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. - Combine Beans and Tomatoes:
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir well to combine. - Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. - Finish and Serve:
If using, stir in the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and beans, this stew is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a perfect choice for a wholesome meal that supports a healthy lifestyle.
- One Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it saves you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
- Comforting and Hearty: This stew is not only filling but also comforting, making it an ideal dish for chilly days or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh vegetables. If you need to use frozen, just make sure they’re thawed and drained before adding them to the stew.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make It a Meal: Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This One Pot Veggie Bean Stew is an easy, nutritious, and delicious option for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. Enjoy the robust flavors and satisfying texture of this hearty stew, and make it a staple in your recipe repertoire!
Serving and Storage Tips for One Pot Veggie Bean Stew
Serving Tips:
- Garnish for Extra Flavor:
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of grated cheese for a creamy touch.
- Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve the stew with crusty bread, a side of quinoa, or brown rice to make it a complete meal.
- For a lighter option, pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Serving Temperature:
- This stew can be served hot straight from the pot, or at room temperature if you prefer. Reheat leftovers gently to maintain the best texture.
- Portion Control:
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with additional toppings or side dishes as desired. It’s great for meal prepping, so consider making extra for future meals.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
- Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
- Freezing:
- To freeze, place the cooled stew in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, portion it into individual servings before freezing.
- Reheating:
- Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it if it’s become too thick.
- Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Avoid Overcooking:
- If reheating from frozen, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Avoid cooking it for too long as it might affect the texture of the vegetables.
- Storage Tips for Ingredients:
- If you’ve used fresh herbs like parsley or spinach, they may wilt faster. Add them fresh or right before serving to keep their flavor and texture intact.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your One Pot Veggie Bean Stew at its best, whether fresh or as a convenient meal for later.
1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, canned beans are a convenient option and work perfectly in this stew. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the pot. Canned beans are already cooked, so they just need to be warmed through during the simmering process.
2. Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it up to 4-5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months.
3. Is this stew suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Yes, this One Pot Veggie Bean Stew is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly. It’s made with vegetable broth and packed with vegetables and beans, making it a great option for those following plant-based diets. Just be sure to check that your vegetable broth is vegan if that’s a concern.
4. Can I add meat to this stew?
Certainly! If you’d like to add meat, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage to the stew. Add it in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to ensure it’s heated through. For a heartier option, you can also use beef or pork, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.