Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting and vibrant as a bowl of Summer Vegetable Stew. This recipe is a celebration of the season’s freshest produce—each bite is a cheerful burst of color, texture, and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a lighter meal or craving a hearty vegan option, this stew brings everyone to the table. It’s wholesome, cozy, and comes together with simple ingredients, giving you a dish that never fails to impress, no matter how many times you make it.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Summer Vegetable Stew is its simplicity—each ingredient has a special job, contributing flavor, texture, or a pop of color. Don’t be afraid to swap in whatever looks freshest at the market!

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
• Onion: A classic savory base, building deep, aromatic undertones throughout the stew.
• Garlic: Infuses every spoonful with a gentle pungency and heartwarming aroma.
• Carrots: Bring a slight sweetness and beautiful orange color to the pot.
• Zucchini: Tender, mild, and soaks up all the delicious broth.
• Red bell pepper: Vibrant and sweet, they brighten the stew both visually and in taste.
• Yellow bell pepper: Adds another layer of color and its own gentle sweetness.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy, they break down to add body to the broth.
• Green beans: Offer a satisfying crunch and a lovely green snap.
• Vegetable broth: Forms the fragrant, hearty base of your stew—opt for low-sodium to control the salt level.
• Dried thyme: Lends earthy, floral undertones that sing in a vegetable soup.
• Dried basil: Brings a burst of sweet, summery herb flavor.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle depth and an irresistible aroma—just remember to remove it before serving!
• Salt and black pepper: Heighten all the other flavors—season to taste as you go.
• Corn kernels: Whether fresh or frozen, their juicy sweetness is a sunny highlight in every bowl.
• Lemon juice: Brightens everything and ties all the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley: A fresh, herbaceous finish that lifts every bite—don’t skip this!

How to Make Summer Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until it’s translucent and just starting to soften. Then, add the minced garlic for that beautiful fragrant base, and saute for just one more minute—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Add Carrots, Zucchini, Peppers, and Tomatoes

Next, add the sliced carrots, chopped zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, and the juicy tomatoes. Give it all a good stir. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften and their colors start to deepen—this early mix creates the stew’s wonderful backbone.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing all those beautiful vegetables together. Add in the trimmed green beans, thyme, basil, bay leaf, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine, and let everything come up to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer Gently

Once your pot is bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let the Summer Vegetable Stew simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, uncovered. This is when all the flavors meld and the vegetables turn perfectly tender—just soft enough without losing their shape.

Step 5: Finish with Corn, Lemon Juice, and Fresh Parsley

Stir in the corn kernels and add the lemon juice for a lift of sweetness and tang. Let the stew cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle in the fresh parsley for that finishing fresh touch.

How to Serve Summer Vegetable Stew

Garnishes

Top your Summer Vegetable Stew with a generous handful of fresh parsley, and if you like a little kick, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For extra zing, a small drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can work wonders right before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve this stew with slices of warmed, crusty bread—a must for soaking up every bit of that flavorful broth. You can also pair it alongside simple green salads or a scoop of herby quinoa for a more filling meal. If you want to keep it classic, some buttery crackers or griddled polenta are absolutely delicious on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the Summer Vegetable Stew into shallow bowls and top each serving with a swirl of basil pesto or a dollop of vegan sour cream for something extra special. For gatherings, serve it family-style in a big, colorful Dutch oven at the table, or pour into individual mugs for a fun, casual backyard meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it excellent for meal prep. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers are something to look forward to!

Freezing

Summer Vegetable Stew freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers (leave a little room at the top for expansion), label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. When cravings strike, you’ll have a wholesome veggie-packed meal ready to go.

Reheating

For best results, reheat thawed stew gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of extra broth or water if it thickens up in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this Summer Vegetable Stew?

Absolutely! This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Feel free to fold in eggplant, summer squash, or even greens like spinach or kale. Just adjust the cooking time for firmer or more delicate veggies as needed.

Is this stew gluten free?

Yes, as written, Summer Vegetable Stew is naturally gluten free. Just be mindful of any packaged vegetable broth you use—check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain wheat or gluten-based thickeners.

What’s the best way to make it richer or heartier?

You can bulk up the stew by adding cooked beans such as cannellini, chickpeas, or white beans for extra protein and substance. A handful of small pasta shapes also makes it more filling for big appetites.

Can I make Summer Vegetable Stew ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors only improve with a little time, making it a wonderful make-ahead option. Store in the fridge, and simply reheat just before serving.

How do I adjust the seasoning?

Taste as you go—that’s the secret! Start light on salt and pepper, then adjust near the end once the stew has simmered and flavors have blended. The lemon juice at the very end is key for brightening everything.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a colorful, feel-good dish that captures the vibrant spirit of summer, you simply have to try this Summer Vegetable Stew. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring some sunshine to your table. Grab whatever’s fresh and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

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