There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of summer vegetable stew. Picture this: vibrant, sun-kissed veggies swimming in a fragrant broth, their colors dancing like a summer sunset. nutritious Mediterranean quinoa bowl The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and promising a flavor explosion that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory in the making. I remember the first time I made it for my friends during a backyard barbecue. They were skeptical at first—vegetables in July? But one bite, and they were hooked! Now, summer vegetable stew is a staple at every gathering, bringing smiles and satisfied sighs long after the last spoonful. savory stuffed French toast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious summer vegetable stew is incredibly easy to make, so even novice cooks can shine
- Its fresh flavors are a delightful summer embrace for your taste buds
- Each bowl bursts with color and nutrition, making it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect as a main dish or side, it adapts easily to whatever veggies you have on hand
I still chuckle when I think about my friends’ initial hesitation turning into their raving reviews of this stew!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Zucchini: Choose firm zucchinis that feel heavy for their size to ensure freshness.
Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and sweetness; red and yellow pack the most flavor.
Carrots: Opt for fresh, vibrant carrots; they add crunch and natural sweetness to the stew.
Onions: Yellow onions work best here; they caramelize beautifully and create depth in flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; use them generously for that aromatic kick.
Canned Tomatoes: Choose high-quality diced tomatoes; they provide acidity and richness to the broth.
Vegetable Broth: A good quality broth enhances the overall flavor; homemade is ideal if you have time!
Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil at the end for an aromatic finish that brightens up the stew.
For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages with zucchini recipe.
flavorful stuffed bell peppers.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Chop zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and onions into bite-sized pieces. easy veggie omelette roll As you chop, enjoy the vibrant colors filling your cutting board.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes will do! This step sets up your flavor base.
Add Those Veggies: Toss in your chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir everything around for another 5 minutes until they slightly soften but still retain some crunch—it’s all about texture!
Pour in the Tomatoes and Broth: Carefully add the canned tomatoes along with their juices and pour in vegetable broth until everything is submerged. The colors will pop as you watch them mingle!
Season It Up!: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like—maybe some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Stir well to combine those flavors.
Simmer Away!: Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes while you sip on something refreshing. The longer it simmers, the more intense those flavors become!
As you prepare this delightful summer vegetable stew, keep in mind that cooking should be fun! Play with flavors and enjoy each step—your kitchen will soon smell divine!
You Must Know
- This summer vegetable stew is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of the season
- Bursting with colors and flavors, it’s perfect for using up garden veggies and makes your kitchen smell heavenly
- Plus, it’s easy to whip up after a long day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Then add your chopped vegetables, layering in flavors as they cook down. This method enhances the taste and texture of your summer vegetable stew.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have or prefer. Add some fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice to brighten everything up. Your personal twist will make this stew uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover summer vegetable stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chop your vegetables uniformly for even cooking
- Season gradually as you go; taste is key!
- Use leftovers creatively in salads or sauces, giving them new life without waste
Cooking this summer vegetable stew always brings back memories of family gatherings. I remember my grandmother’s laughter echoing through the kitchen as she stirred her pot, creating magic with each ingredient added.
FAQ
What vegetables work best in summer vegetable stew?
Zucchini, bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes are perfect choices for vibrant flavor.
Can I make this stew vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan; just ensure no animal-based broth is used.
How can I thicken my summer vegetable stew?
Add a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer longer to reduce liquid content effectively.

Summer Vegetable Stew
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Summer Vegetable Stew is a vibrant and nutritious dish that celebrates the flavors of the season. With fresh zucchini, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs simmered in a rich vegetable broth, this stew bursts with color and taste. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal, it showcases the bounty of summer vegetables. Easy to make and adaptable to whatever you have on hand, this recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 your veggies by washing and chopping the zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots; cook for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices) and pour in vegetable broth until veggies are submerged.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices; bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- Let stew simmer for 20–30 minutes until flavors meld together. Stir in fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg