Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup Recipe

If you are looking for a warming, wholesome, and delightfully simple dish to add to your recipe collection, look no further than this Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup. It is packed with vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, creating a cozy stew that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Thanks to its creamy texture combined with the subtle sweetness of peas, every spoonful feels like a comforting hug. This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a plant-based meal that feels indulgent yet is straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your stew. Each one plays a vital role, from the hearty potatoes that provide body to the fresh herbs that add layers of aroma and taste.

• 1 tbsp oil: The base for sautéing, it helps gently cook the vegetables while adding richness.
• 1 medium white onion, diced: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth to the stew’s foundation.
• 3 medium carrots, diced: Bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• 5 small potatoes, chopped: These make the stew hearty and give it that comforting texture we all crave.
• 1 medium stalk celery with greens, finely sliced: Adds a mild bitterness for balance and a pleasant crunch.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the stew with a warm, savory scent and flavor.
• ½ to 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried: Earthy and fragrant, thyme elevates the overall herbal profile.
• ½ to 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried: Adds a woodsy note that pairs beautifully with root veggies.
• ½ to 1 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried: Provides a touch of Mediterranean warmth and depth.
• 1 ½ tsp sea salt or to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors in the stew.
• ½ tsp black pepper or to taste: Gives a gentle heat and brightness.
• ⅓ tsp nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor.
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a delicate smoky undertone that enriches the stew.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or less if sensitive to heat: Offers a mild kick to keep things interesting.
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water: The liquid base that brings everything together, keeping the stew light.
• 2 ⅓ cup frozen peas: Freeze freshness and sweetness all in one vibrant pop of green.
• ½ cup dairy-free heavy cream or canned coconut milk: Adds creaminess and roundness without dairy.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour: Helps thicken the stew for that perfect, silky texture.
• ½ cup white wine or more vegetable broth: Lends acidity and depth — or just use broth/plant milk for a creamier option.

How to Make Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the oil over medium heat in a large pan. Toss in the diced onion and sauté it for 2 to 4 minutes while stirring frequently. You’ll notice the onion softens and releases a gentle sweetness, creating a flavorful base for all the other ingredients to shine.

Step 2: Add Veggies and Herbs

Next, add the diced carrots, chopped potatoes, finely sliced celery along with the minced garlic and all the fresh or dried herbs plus spices. Stir everything together and cook for about one minute. This quick toss helps release the herbs’ wonderful aromas before you introduce the broth.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the entire mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook gently for 5 minutes. After that, stir in the frozen peas, then cover and simmer the stew for 15 more minutes. This slow-cooking tenderizes all the vegetables and melds the flavors beautifully, with peas adding a lovely burst of sweetness and texture.

Step 4: Add Creaminess and Thicken

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and your choice of vegan heavy cream or coconut milk. Pour this mixture into the stew along with the white wine (or extra broth or plant-based milk if you prefer a creamier soup). Let the stew simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until thickened and luxuriously creamy. If you want it even creamier, blending half the soup with an immersion blender is a great trick to try.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. The layers of flavor from the various herbs and spices will dance on your palate with every bite, making this Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup truly memorable and comforting.

How to Serve Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of chopped chives elevate the stew with their vibrant color and added aroma. A drizzle of a good quality olive oil or a splash of vegan cream can also add a lovely richness right before serving.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad for some fresh contrast or even a side of roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup in a bread bowl for a rustic touch that makes a wonderful presentation. Alternatively, layering it over creamy polenta or quinoa can add a whole new dimension, turning the stew into a fuller entree.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stew keeps beautifully in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it perfect for quick meals during busy times.

Freezing

This vegan pea soup freezes exceptionally well. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to three months. Just remember to leave some space for expansion when freezing liquid-based dishes.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed. Microwave reheating also works great for individual servings, just cover to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas add a sweet snap but remember they cook more quickly than frozen, so add them later in the simmering process to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?

If you prefer no alcohol, simply use extra vegetable broth or plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk. It keeps the stew creamy and flavorful without the wine’s acidity.

Is it possible to make this stew gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free vegetable broth and cornstarch or arrowroot flour instead of any wheat-based thickeners.

Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

Definitely! Feel free to include veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety. Just adjust cooking times so everything becomes tender without getting mushy.

How spicy is the stew with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder version.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup a try because it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm, wholesome hug from the inside out. It’s simple enough for anyone to master but delivers depth and satisfaction that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just a lover of good food, this recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy hearty, healthy goodness with every spoonful.

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