Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that truly captures the vibrant essence of the season, this Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe is your new best friend. Brimming with fresh, colorful veggies, tender potatoes, and a creamy, comforting broth, it’s a heartwarming way to enjoy those garden-fresh flavors while keeping things light and nourishing. Every bite feels like a celebration of summer’s bounty, with just the right balance of textures and herbs to make this stew irresistible. Whether you’re serving guests or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe promises satisfaction in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients form the foundation of this Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe. Each one brings its own unique touch to the dish, creating a beautiful harmony in taste, texture, and color that’s both satisfying and vibrant.

• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics for a flavor-packed base.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Provides subtle sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant kick that awakens all the other flavors.
• 2 cups diced potatoes: Bring hearty, creamy texture and help make the stew filling.
• 2 cups diced carrots: Add natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue to brighten the dish.
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together beautifully.
• 2 cups diced zucchini: Keeps the stew light and fresh while lending a gentle bite.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Infuse vibrant color and a mild acidity that balances richness.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can corn, undrained: Adds natural sweetness and bursts of crunch.
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage: Introduces an earthy, herbal note that elevates the stew.
• 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle savory presence.
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk: Delivers creamy body without heaviness.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the stew to just the right consistency.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
• Optional: 2 cups diced cooked chicken or other protein: Makes the stew heartier if you want to add some protein.
• Parmesan cheese, for topping: A sprinkle at the end adds a savory, melty finish.

How to Make Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic and let them soften until they’re fragrant and translucent. This step lays down a flavorful foundation for the stew, coaxing out the sweet and savory notes that will deepen as you build the dish.

Step 2: Cook Root Vegetables

Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot, stirring occasionally as they cook for about 5 minutes. These root vegetables need a bit more time to soften, so giving them this head start ensures they’ll be tender and perfectly integrated into the stew’s texture later on.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the vegetables bubble away for about 15 minutes, allowing them to soften and absorb those savory flavors, which is key to that comforting stew experience.

Step 4: Incorporate Summer Vegetables and Seasoning

Now stir in the zucchini, diced tomatoes with their juices, corn with liquid, rubbed sage, all-purpose seasoning, and your optional cooked protein if using. This mix introduces the fresh summer elements and herbs, creating a vibrant combination that’s bursting with flavor and color.

Step 5: Continue to Simmer

Bring the stew back up to a gentle boil and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until all the vegetables are tender but not mushy. This stage is where the stew’s flavors marry beautifully, and the textures meld into something wonderfully satisfying.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

Reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons of the evaporated milk and pour the rest into the stew, stirring gently to combine. This step adds a silky creaminess that softens the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors perfectly.

Step 7: Thicken with Cornstarch

Mix the reserved evaporated milk with cornstarch until completely smooth, then stir this mixture into the stew. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the stew thickens up nicely without becoming heavy.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The seasoning step is crucial—taste and adjust to bring out the full palette of flavors and make sure the stew sings on your palate.

Step 9: Serve with a Cheesy Touch

Dish out hot bowls garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh diced tomatoes if you like. That sprinkle of cheese melts in with the warmth, adding an extra layer of richness and a beautiful aromatic finish that makes this Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, melting gloriously atop the warm stew. For a pop of color and freshness, diced fresh tomatoes or a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil bring a fresh note that complements the warmth and creaminess effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This stew stands beautifully on its own, but for a heartier meal, serve it with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to balance the creamy richness of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stew inside hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside a scoop of fluffy couscous or quinoa. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a delightful tangy contrast that’s especially refreshing on warm summer days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any absorption of other fridge odors. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

To save for later, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers. Make sure the stew has cooled completely before freezing and leave some space at the top for expansion. It freezes well for up to two months, making it a convenient and comforting meal option for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency. Avoid boiling during reheating to keep the fresh flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the optional protein or substitute with plant-based options like chickpeas or tofu. The seasoning and vegetables make this stew deliciously satisfying on its own.

What can I substitute for evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand, you can use regular milk mixed with a bit of cream or a plant-based milk alternative like coconut milk for a different but equally creamy effect. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Is it possible to add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, green beans, or even peas to customize the stew to your taste and what’s freshest in your garden. Just add firmer vegetables earlier in the cooking process and delicate ones later to maintain their texture.

How thick should the stew be?

The ideal consistency is ladle-friendly and slightly thickened, not too watery but not overly heavy. The cornstarch-thickened evaporated milk mixture helps achieve this balance, giving you a creamy texture without feeling too rich.

Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?

You can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients except the evaporated milk and cornstarch. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4, adding the milk and thickening mixture during the last 30 minutes to finish it perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Summer Vegetable Stew Recipe enough when you want a dish that’s hearty, fresh, and full of sunshine in every bite. It’s trustworthy, comforting, and versatile—a perfect way to show off the flavors of summer with every simmer. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do because nothing beats sharing a big pot of warmth and goodness with the people you love.

Print