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Crockpot Vegetable Stew

This crockpot vegetable stew is a comforting, hearty dish that relies on slow cooking to transform humble vegetables into a rich, flavorful broth. Main ingredients like carrots, potatoes, celery, and green beans meld together, creating a tender, colorful, and inviting final appearance. The slow simmering process results in a thickened, aromatic stew with soft vegetables and a cozy, rustic texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large carrots peeled and chopped into thick rounds
  • 3 medium potatoes peeled and cut into 2cm chunks
  • 2 stalks celery sliced thinly
  • 1 cup frozen green beans thawed slightly or added frozen
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional for smoky depth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for finishing
  • to taste salt and pepper adjust at the end

Equipment

  • Large crockpot
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Start by peeling and chopping the carrots into thick rounds, and cut the potatoes into 2cm chunks. Slice the celery stalks thinly for even cooking.
  2. Add the prepared vegetables into the crockpot, spreading them out evenly across the bottom.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth, enough to generously cover the vegetables, about 4 to 6 cups depending on your crockpot size.
  4. Toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to add depth and aroma to the broth.
  5. Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. You'll notice the vegetables soften and the broth becomes fragrant and slightly thickened.
  6. Halfway through, give the stew a gentle stir with a wooden spoon and taste the broth. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. In the last 30 minutes, add the thawed green beans and minced garlic. Cover and let cook until green beans are tender and fragrant.
  8. Once the vegetables are soft and the flavors meld, turn off the crockpot and stir in two tablespoons of olive oil for a shiny, flavorful finish.
  9. Remove the lid, taste to check seasoning, and add more salt and pepper if needed. Let the stew rest for a few minutes to settle the flavors.
  10. Ladle the hearty, colorful stew into bowls, and enjoy the comforting aroma and tender vegetables with crusty bread or your favorite sides.

Notes

You can customize this stew with any vegetables on hand. For a thicker broth, mash some of the cooked potatoes and carrots before serving. Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end for extra freshness.