Description
This comforting vegetable stew is a hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. It features a rich tomato base, tender vegetables like carrots and celery, and vibrant emerald kale, simmered to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 bunch (5-6 oz) fresh emerald kale, or Swiss chard
- 1 medium (8 oz) yellow onion
- 2 medium (6 oz) carrots
- 2 stalks (4 oz) celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth, or water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 large bay leaf
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Finely chop one medium onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks. Wash and chop one bunch of kale, carefully discarding the tough stems.
- Build the Flavor Base: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large 6-quart pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and the 6 oz can of tomato paste; cook for 1 minute more, allowing the paste to deepen in color and become fragrant.
- Simmer the Stew: Pour in one 28 oz can of undrained diced tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 tsp dried oregano and one bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender.
- Add the Kale: Stir in the chopped kale. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, uncovered, until the kale wilts down and reaches a tender-crisp texture.
- Season and Serve: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the vegetable stew generously with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring it through. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal.
Notes
Swap kale for fresh spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens. For added protein, stir in cannellini beans, chickpeas, or pre-cooked lentils. Include diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for a thicker, heartier meal. Choose organic produce and low-sodium broth for healthier eating. Dont overcook the kale; it should remain vibrant and have a slight bite. Ensure foundational vegetables are tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 41 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 380 g)
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, vegetable stew, kale, tomato, plant-based, healthy, weeknight meal, comforting, vegetarian
