If you are craving a wholesome, comforting bowl of goodness that is bursting with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, look no further than this Vegan Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas and Greens Recipe. This stew is a wonderful celebration of fresh vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and leafy greens, all simmered to perfection in a fragrant, spiced broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s a dish that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate and is perfect for any day you want something both nutritious and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, straightforward ingredients, each bringing a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color that makes the stew so memorable. The fresh vegetables provide natural sweetness and earthiness, chickpeas add protein and creaminess, and the herbs and spices tie everything together into a harmonious, savory masterpiece.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and bringing out the best flavor from the onions and vegetables.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that forms the stew’s heart.
- Garlic: Gives a pungent, earthy depth that elevates every bite.
- Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and a delightful firmness after cooking.
- Celery stalks: Bring a subtle freshness and crunch that balances the rich broth.
- Bell pepper: Adds a colorful, juicy burst of flavor.
- Potatoes: Create a comforting, soft texture that soaks up all the delicious broth.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that transforms this stew into a soul-warming meal.
- Diced tomatoes: Deliver a bright acidity and luscious texture.
- Chickpeas: Protein-packed and creamy, they give the stew substance and heartiness.
- Green beans: Introduce a tender, fresh bite with gorgeous green color.
- Dried thyme: Offers a gentle earthy aroma that complements vegetables beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Enhances the stew’s Mediterranean flair with bold herbal notes.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a pleasantly smoky warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and balance all the tastes.
- Spinach leaves: Wilt into the stew, giving you that fresh, leafy goodness in every spoonful.
- Lemon juice: A splash of brightness to lift and enliven the entire dish.
- Fresh parsley: The final fresh herb garnish that adds a burst of vibrant green and freshness.
How to Make Vegan Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas and Greens Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent and soft, filling your kitchen with a wonderfully savory aroma. This step builds a flavorful foundation that will make every bite of your stew delicious.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Carrots, and Celery
Next, stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Let them sauté together for a few more minutes until the vegetables slightly soften and release their natural sweetness. This combination adds layers of flavor and a subtle crunch that makes the stew vibrant.
Step 3: Combine Bell Pepper, Potatoes, Broth, Tomatoes, and Chickpeas
Time to bring everything together — stir in the chopped bell pepper, diced potatoes, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes along with their juice, and the rinsed chickpeas. Turn the heat up and bring this colorful mixture to a bubbling boil, infusing the stew with hearty, heartwarming goodness.
Step 4: Season and Add Green Beans
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the stew’s comforting and layered flavors. Add the green beans which will cook just enough to stay tender but still lively in texture.
Step 5: Simmer Until Vegetables Are Tender
Cover the pot and let this medley simmer peacefully for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften perfectly while the chickpeas soak up all the wonderful seasonings.
Step 6: Stir in Spinach and Lemon Juice
When your vegetables are tender and the stew is aromatic, gently stir in the fresh spinach leaves and a splash of lemon juice. The spinach will wilt down beautifully, adding freshness and a pop of vibrant green, while the lemon juice brightens all the flavors.
Step 7: Final Taste and Seasoning Adjustments
Remove your pot from the heat, then taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. This final step ensures your stew is perfectly balanced and ready to delight your taste buds.
Step 8: Serve with Fresh Parsley
Dish out your Vegan Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas and Greens Recipe hot, garnishing generously with freshly chopped parsley. This bright herb adds a fresh, lively note that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
How to Serve Vegan Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas and Greens Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, a pinch of chili flakes for heat, or toasted nuts for extra texture. The garnishes bring in an additional layer of flavor and elevate the presentation to feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop, fluffy couscous for added bulk, or even a simple quinoa salad on the side. These sides complement the stew’s wholesome flavors and make your meal a complete delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve your Vegan Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas and Greens Recipe in rustic bread bowls or over creamy mashed potatoes. Another fun idea is topping it with a dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, making it creamy and tangy in unexpected ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Over time, the flavors deepen even more, making leftovers just as delightful as freshly made stew.
Freezing
To freeze, cool your stew completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this nourishing dish any time life gets busy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans instead of chickpeas?
Absolutely! Cannellini beans or kidney beans are great alternatives and will bring their own unique texture and flavor to your stew. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding.
Is this stew spicy, and can I make it more so?
This Vegan Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas and Greens Recipe is mildly spiced but not spicy. You can easily add heat by sprinkling in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply sauté the aromatics first on the stovetop, then transfer everything else to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
What can I substitute for spinach if I don’t have any?
Swiss chard, kale, or collard greens all work marvelously as substitutes. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking to let them wilt gently like the spinach.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for batch cooking. Portion it out into containers for quick meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Vegan Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas and Greens Recipe — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to whenever you want something healthy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and such a treat to enjoy with family or friends. Trust me, once you try it, this stew will become your new go-to comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Happy cooking!
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Vegan Vegetable Stew with Chickpeas and Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty vegan stew is packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and chickpeas, simmered to perfection in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. It offers a nutritious and comforting meal that is both satisfying and wholesome, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Legumes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Liquids
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent, which helps to develop a sweet and savory base flavor for the stew.
- Add Garlic and Softer Vegetables: Incorporate the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery into the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, releasing their natural aromas.
- Add Main Ingredients and Liquids: Stir in the chopped bell pepper, diced potatoes, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes along with their juice, and drained chickpeas. Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Simmer with Herbs and Spices: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the green beans, dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This step infuses the stew with rich flavors.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover the pot and allow the stew to simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This ensures all vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Spinach and Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and lemon juice, letting the spinach wilt slightly to add a fresh flavor and nutrition boost to the stew.
- Adjust Seasoning: Remove the stew from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary to suit your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- To make this stew gluten free, ensure vegetable broth is gluten free.
- You can substitute chickpeas with other legumes like white beans or lentils for variation.
- For added protein, add cubed tofu or tempeh when adding the spinach.
- Use fresh herbs if available for more vibrant taste; adjust quantity accordingly.
- This stew stores well and flavors develop even more after refrigeration – ideal for leftovers.
