If you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and downright delicious, this Easy Potato Stew Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Bursting with tender potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of herbs that feel like a warm hug, this stew is a quick way to satisfy both your appetite and your soul. The simplicity of the ingredients shines through in every spoonful, making it a perfect go-to meal for any day when you want something nourishing without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making this stew truly shine. Each component plays a key role: the potatoes bring comfort and thickness, the fresh vegetables add color and crunch, and the herbs infuse the broth with inviting, earthy aromas. Trust me, these ingredients are not just easy to find but also essential to crafting a stew that feels like home.
- Olive oil: A good base for sautéing and bringing out the savory notes in your veggies.
- Large onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Garlic cloves: Use fresh, minced garlic for that irresistible punch.
- Carrots: Diced for color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Celery ribs: Provides subtle crunch and earthiness.
- Potatoes: The star ingredient, diced into hearty cubes to soak up all the flavor.
- Dried rosemary: A fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Italian herbs: A blend for added Mediterranean warmth.
- Dried thyme: Adds a gentle, woodsy touch.
- Soy sauce: For an umami boost and depth.
- Dijon mustard: A little tang to brighten the stew’s richness.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor and lovely color.
- Fine salt: Enhances all the natural flavors; adjust to taste.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle kick.
- Vegetable broth or water: The stew’s comforting liquid base.
- Frozen peas: Added at the end for sweetness and a pop of green.
How to Make Easy Potato Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step lays a flavorful foundation for the stew, and the gentle caramelization enhances the overall sweetness.
Step 2: Add Carrots and Celery
Next, stir in the diced carrots and celery. These veggies add a lovely texture and natural sweetness while introducing beautiful colors that invite you to dig in. Toss everything together so the flavors start coming together in the pot.
Step 3: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients and Simmer
It’s time to add the diced potatoes along with dried rosemary, Italian herbs, thyme, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and let it cook for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Peas and Finish Cooking
After the potatoes and other vegetables have softened, stir in the frozen peas. Let the stew cook uncovered for 3 more minutes, just enough for the peas to thaw and become tender without losing their vibrant green color. This final touch brings a fresh dimension to the stew.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Turn off the heat, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little more salt or pepper might be just what it needs to hit the perfect balance. Serve it up warm with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top and a slice of crusty bread to soak up every luscious drop.
How to Serve Easy Potato Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A garnish can turn a simple stew into a feast for the senses. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and brightness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast that makes every spoonful even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Easy Potato Stew Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans complement the stew’s hearty flavors beautifully. Mashed cauliflower or roasted vegetables are great options if you want a low-carb side that won’t overwhelm the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls with a side dish of garlic bread for a cozy appeal. For a more elegant touch, plate the stew in shallow dishes, drizzle with high-quality olive oil, and sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top. You can even top it with grated hard cheese like Parmesan for an extra savory finish. These simple ideas make this humble stew feel special every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavors. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Freezing
Easy Potato Stew Recipe freezes well, making it a perfect meal prep choice. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick, satisfying meal.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the stew slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This brings back the fresh, robust flavors and maintains the comforting texture. Avoid overheating as potatoes can become mushy otherwise.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes in this stew?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work nicely because they hold their shape and offer a creamy texture. Russets can be used too but may break down more, making the stew thicker.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, it is! The recipe relies on vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, making it completely vegan. Just be sure your broth is vegetable-based as some store-bought versions contain meat.
Can I add meat or protein to this stew?
Of course, feel free to adapt it by adding cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or beans for extra protein. Add these towards the end of cooking to warm them through without overcooking the potatoes.
How can I make the stew thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot after cooking, or add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water before simmering. Just stir well to avoid lumps.
What are good herbs to substitute the dried ones listed?
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley can be used instead, but use them in smaller quantities as fresh herbs are more potent. Fresh bay leaves also add a lovely depth if you have them on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Potato Stew Recipe is truly a comforting classic that anyone can master. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you need a delicious hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become one of your favorite staples—warm, wholesome, and endlessly satisfying. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every cozy bite!
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Easy Potato Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Potato Stew is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with wholesome vegetables and flavored with fragrant herbs and a touch of Dijon mustard and soy sauce for depth, it offers a satisfying, nutritious stew that comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s ideal for a family dinner and pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion (any color), diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 3 medium-sized carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 ½ lb (675 grams) potatoes, diced (approx 1 inch cubes)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp Italian herbs
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¾ tsp fine salt, or according to taste
- ⅛ tsp black pepper, plus more to serve
Sauces and Condiments
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
Liquids and Oils
- 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth or water
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant.
- Add vegetables. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, tossing everything together to combine and begin softening the vegetables.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer. Stir in the diced potatoes, dried rosemary, Italian herbs, dried thyme, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer gently for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook frozen peas. After 25 minutes, add the frozen peas to the stew and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the peas are tender and heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve. Turn off the heat and taste the stew. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly ground black pepper, alongside warm crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water but broth enhances flavor.
- For extra protein, add cooked beans or lentils.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor.
- The stew thickens as it cools; reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
- This stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American