A Delicious and Easy Guide to Seasonal Veggies in Just 45 Minutes!
Whether you’re introducing your little ones to cooking or looking for a cozy dish to share with loved ones, this stew is a wonderful way to get everyone involved. Let the kids help with stirring, chopping (with supervision, of course), and even choosing some ingredients. The combination of vegetables in this stew makes it as nutritious as it is tasty, offering a great way to boost your family's intake of vitamins and minerals.
So, let’s get cooking—this Winter Vegetable Stew is a simple, healthy, and fun recipe that your whole family will love!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect Winter Vegetable Stew. Feel free to adjust some ingredients based on your family’s dietary needs, like swapping out cream for dairy-free alternatives or opting for gluten-free options.
Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
Seasonings and Broth:
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- A dollop of sour cream or a dairy-free alternative
- Crusty bread for dipping
Dietary Notes:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the broth you use is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative or skip it altogether.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking this Winter Vegetable Stew is a breeze, and it's a fantastic opportunity to get your kids involved in the kitchen. Here’s how to make this dish, step by step:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping all your vegetables. This is a great step for kids to help with—have them wash the veggies, peel the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes (with supervision), and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Be sure to supervise sharp knives for safety.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The smell of the garlic and onions cooking will fill your kitchen with warmth—perfect for a winter meal. Let your little ones take turns stirring the onions in the pot!
Step 3: Add the Root Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the harder vegetables that need more cooking time: carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and butternut squash. Stir them in with the onions and garlic, and let them cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. This is a good time for the kids to practice stirring—just make sure they don’t get too close to the hot stove.
Step 4: Add the Rest of the Vegetables and Broth
Next, add the cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale (or spinach), and peas to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, and sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the vegetables are evenly distributed in the broth. If your kids are helping, let them pour in the broth—they’ll love watching it fill up the pot!
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. Use this time to tidy up the kitchen or prepare your garnishes. You can also use this time to let your kids get creative and make fun, edible "decorations" for the stew, like chopped parsley or a slice of bread.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Once the vegetables are tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a little apple cider vinegar for brightness. This is a great opportunity for kids to practice tasting and adding ingredients based on their preferences.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side. Your family will enjoy the rich, warm flavors of the stew, and the kids will love their little touch on the final dish.
Estimated Cooking & Prep Time
The Winter Vegetable Stew takes just 45 minutes to make this includes both preparation and cooking time. It’s a perfect choice for busy families who need a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The stew’s simplicity and ease of preparation mean you can have a nutritious meal ready in no time, giving you more moments to spend with your loved ones.
Nutritional Information
This Winter Vegetable Stew is not only comforting but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional value per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 7g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Vitamin A: 150% of your daily recommended intake
- Vitamin C: 80% of your daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 8% of your daily recommended intake
- Iron: 10% of your daily recommended intake
This stew is a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, especially from the kale, carrots, and butternut squash. It’s perfect for growing kids and adults alike, boosting immunity and keeping everyone healthy during the colder months.
This Winter Vegetable Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a family-friendly, fun way to enjoy the season's best produce. Whether you're cooking with your little ones or looking for a warm dish to share with family, this stew delivers on both flavor and nutrition. The simplicity of the ingredients and the cooking process make it easy for anyone, regardless of age, to pitch in and help.
For storage, you can keep any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and enjoy it later. Pair it with other easy recipes like a simple green salad or homemade rolls to complete the meal.
Remember, cooking with your kids doesn’t have to be a challenge—it’s an opportunity to create wonderful memories and introduce them to healthy eating habits. Give this stew a try, and let us know how it turned out! Share your variations or cooking tips in the comments below.
If you loved this recipe, make sure to subscribe for more family-friendly meals, or follow us on social media for regular updates! Cooking with my boys always brings a smile to our kitchen. I hope you and your family enjoy this Winter Vegetable Stew as much as we do!
Share this recipe with other parents looking for quick, healthy meals to make with their kids. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together!
