Summer Vegetable Stew

Summer Vegetable Stew is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of summer. This vibrant dish, brimming with fresh vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and carrots, makes for a nutritious meal that appeals to the entire family. Whether you need a comforting weeknight dinner or a potluck dish, this stew is versatile and quick to prepare.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Fresh Vegetables
• Liquids and Seasonings
• Additions (Optional)
• Topping
• How to Make Summer Vegetable Stew
• Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
• Step 2: Cook the Base
• Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
• Step 4: Thicken the Stew
• Step 5: Finish and Serve
• How to Serve Summer Vegetable Stew
• With Crusty Bread
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by Salad
• With Cheese
• How to Perfect Summer Vegetable Stew
• Best Side Dishes for Summer Vegetable Stew
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Summer Vegetable Stew
• Reheating Summer Vegetable Stew
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Summer Vegetable Stew?
• How can I customize my Summer Vegetable Stew?
• Can I make this stew vegetarian?
• What are some good side dishes to serve with Summer Vegetable Stew?
• How long does it take to prepare this stew?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Nutrients: This stew is loaded with fresh vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe can be whipped up in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can mix and match the vegetables based on what you have available or prefer.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a great way to introduce more veggies into your family’s diet without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze them for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for your Summer Vegetable Stew.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Ideal for cooking larger batches of stew, ensuring all ingredients fit comfortably while simmering.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, keeping your workspace organized and efficient.

Ingredients

Fresh Vegetables

• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 1 medium zucchini diced
• 2 large tomatoes peeled and diced (or 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes, not drained)
• 14 oz can corn not drained

Liquids and Seasonings

• 14 oz can chicken broth
• ½ tsp rubbed sage
• ½ tsp all-purpose seasoning
• 12 oz can evaporated milk

Additions (Optional)

• 1 cup diced chicken or ham
• 2 TBSP cornstarch

Topping

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese to top bowls of stew with

How to Make Summer Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Begin by preparing all your vegetables.
1. Dice the onion.
2. Mince the garlic if using fresh.
3. Chop the potatoes into small cubes.
4. Wash and dice the carrots into uniform pieces.
5. Slice the zucchini into slightly larger pieces.
6. Peel and dice the tomatoes if using fresh ones from your garden.
7. If adding meat, ensure it is fully cooked and chopped into bite-sized chunks.

Step 2: Cook the Base

In a large stockpot over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Add in onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
4. Pour in chicken broth.
5. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until potatoes and carrots are soft.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

After the base has cooked:
1. Stir in zucchini, tomatoes, corn, chicken or ham (if using), along with seasonings (except cornstarch).
2. Heat for another 10-15 minutes until hot and beginning to boil.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew

Once boiling:
1. Reduce heat to low.
2. Add all but 2-3 tablespoons of evaporated milk.
3. Mix remaining evaporated milk with cornstarch until combined; stir it into the stew.
4. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Before serving:
1. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Ladle stew into bowls.
3. Top with fresh diced cherry tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious Summer Vegetable Stew!

How to Serve Summer Vegetable Stew

Serving Summer Vegetable Stew is all about enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Fresh Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette to soak up the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: Add a twist by pairing with buttery garlic bread for extra flavor.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of freshness.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and enhances the presentation.

Accompanied by Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad provides a refreshing contrast.
• Caprese Salad: The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the stew beautifully.

With Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for added richness.
• Feta Cheese: For a tangy twist, crumble feta cheese on top before serving.

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How to Perfect Summer Vegetable Stew

To ensure your Summer Vegetable Stew is absolutely delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, in-season vegetables enhance the stew’s flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; seasonings can be adjusted based on your preference.
• Add Protein Wisely: If using chicken or ham, ensure it’s cooked and seasoned well before adding.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allowing the stew to simmer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Consider Texture: Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking and texture consistency.
• Garnish Creatively: Use colorful garnishes like diced tomatoes or herbs to make the dish visually appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Summer Vegetable Stew

Pairing sides with your Summer Vegetable Stew can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and pair perfectly with the stew.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory stew flavors.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies bring additional textures and flavors that complement the stew.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers a nutritious boost alongside the hearty stew.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf acts as an excellent base to soak up the stew’s delicious broth.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or cheese make for a flavorful side.
7. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances out the warmth of the stew.
8. Pita Chips with Hummus: For something light, enjoy crispy pita chips dipped in hummus alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Summer Vegetable Stew can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can impact the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Skipping the prep work: Failing to chop and prepare your vegetables before cooking can lead to uneven cooking and chaos in the kitchen. Take the time to prep everything ahead of time for a smoother process.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long may result in mushy textures. Aim for tender yet firm veggies by adding them at the appropriate times during cooking.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning will leave your stew bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning, particularly with salt and pepper, to enhance flavors.
• Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality broth can negatively affect the flavor of your stew. Opt for a good-quality chicken or vegetable broth for richer taste.
• Ignoring ingredient sizes: Cutting vegetables into different sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Cut all veggies into uniform pieces for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Summer Vegetable Stew

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Summer Vegetable Stew

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion of stew into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Pour stew into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until it bubbles, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Summer Vegetable Stew?

Summer Vegetable Stew is a nourishing dish made with fresh seasonal veggies like zucchini, tomatoes, and carrots, perfect for family meals.

How can I customize my Summer Vegetable Stew?

You can easily customize this stew by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins like chicken or ham for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat for a delicious vegetarian version of Summer Vegetable Stew.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Summer Vegetable Stew?

Pair your stew with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to complete your meal beautifully.

How long does it take to prepare this stew?

Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, while cooking typically takes around 30-40 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Vegetable Stew is not only delicious but also versatile and packed with nutrients. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the summer harvest!