Description
A hearty and healthy Summer Vegetable Stew featuring zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and fresh basil simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth. This easy-to-make stew is perfect for a light, comforting meal during warmer months, delivering vibrant colors and wholesome nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Wash and chop the zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and onion into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to the pot. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while retaining some texture.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Pour in the vegetable broth until the vegetables are fully submerged, creating the stew base.
- Season and Simmer: Season the stew with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices. Bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat, allowing all flavors to meld together.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the stew simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking helps deepen the flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Finish with Basil: Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped basil for a bright, fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like eggplant or green beans for variation.
- This stew can be served on its own or over grains such as rice or quinoa.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice subtle heat.
