Hearty Vegan Vegetable Stew

This Hearty Vegan Vegetable Stew combines classic flavors with a creative twist, featuring tender root vegetables, hearty beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced, it's both comforting and nutritious, catering to vegan diets while packing a punch of flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Mix in the zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
6. Add the chickpeas, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
7. Cover and let simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.