Hearty Vegetable Stew with Savory Herbs for Cozy Evenings

This hearty vegetable stew is the perfect dish to warm you up on cool evenings. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and delicately seasoned with savory herbs, this stew is both nutritious and delicious. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and lazy weekend meals. The slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and aromatic dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 1 cup green beans, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:
1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf from the stew.
7. Add Final Touches: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Garnish: Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Serving Suggestions:
This vegetable stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal. Enjoy!