Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s bursting with color, flavor, and wholesome goodness, then this Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup will quickly become your new kitchen favorite. It’s a vibrant medley of tender potatoes, sweet carrots, fresh peas, and fragrant herbs all brought together in a creamy, dreamy broth that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or simply need a filling lunch, this stew is wonderfully simple to make and packs a delicious plant-based punch that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward yet plays a vital role to create a stew that tastes far more complex than the effort it takes. From the comforting starchiness of potatoes to the bright pop of frozen peas, each component adds texture, color, and layers of flavor that come alive with warmth and seasoning.

• 1 tbsp oil: Use olive or avocado oil to gently sauté the veggies and build flavor from the start.
• 1 medium white onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the stew.
• 3 medium carrots (about 200 g), diced: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 5 small potatoes (around 500 g), chopped: Provide cozy heartiness and help thicken the stew as they cook.
• 1 medium celery stalk with greens, finely sliced: Adds a mild earthiness and freshness to balance the sweetness.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm, savory depth.
• ½ to 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried: Offers an herby fragrance that complements the veggies.
• ½ to 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried: Adds a piney, slightly resinous note.
• ½ to 1 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried: Brings a hint of Mediterranean warmth.
• 1 ½ tsp sea salt or to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper or to taste: Provides gentle background heat.
• ⅓ tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky sweetness that makes the stew extra comforting.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to preference): A touch of spice to brighten the stew.
• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth or water: The flavorful liquid base that carries everything all together.
• 2 ⅓ cups (350 g) frozen peas: Bursting with color and a tender sweetness that rounds out the veggies.
• ½ cup (120 g) dairy-free heavy cream or canned coconut milk: Creates a luscious creaminess that makes this soup ultra satisfying.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly for the perfect stew-like texture.
• ½ cup (120 ml) white wine or more vegetable broth: Adds acidity and a subtle depth; optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by heating the oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 2 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn translucent and release their natural sweetness. This gentle cooking unfolds layers of flavor that will form the foundation of your stew.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Herbs

Next, add the diced carrots, chopped potatoes, sliced celery with its greens, minced garlic, and all your herbs and spices. Sauté everything together for about one more minute so the flavors mingle and the herbs become fragrant. This step awakens the aromatics and starts the magic of building rich depth.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Vegetables

Pour in the vegetable broth and crank the heat to high until it reaches a boil. Then reduce to low-medium heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the potatoes and carrots soften just enough before adding the peas. Once the initial simmer is done, stir in your frozen peas and let the pot cook for another 15 minutes. The peas thaw perfectly and join the stew in a tender, vibrant burst of flavor.

Step 4: Thicken with Cream and Cornstarch

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with your choice of vegan heavy cream or canned coconut milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture into the stew along with the white wine (or use extra vegetable broth or plant-based milk if you prefer). Let the soup simmer gently for another 3 to 4 minutes. This final step thickens the broth slightly and creates that velvety texture that makes every spoonful so comforting.

Step 5: Adjust and Blend (Optional)

Give the stew a taste and tweak the salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you want a creamier texture, blend half the soup using an immersion blender right in the pot. This adds body while still leaving some chunks of vegetables for enjoyable bites.

How to Serve Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or a few whole peas scattered on top make a lovely, fresh finishing touch. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can also elevate the dish visually and enhance each mouthful with aroma.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls or colorful mugs for a fun twist. You can also layer it over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for guests who enjoy a mix of textures. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds on top adds an unexpected satisfying crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pour your leftover stew into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for quick lunches or dinners when you need something warming and nourishing in a flash.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for batch cooking. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or plant-based milk to loosen up the texture if it seems too thick after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas would add a wonderful freshness to the stew but keep in mind they will cook faster than frozen peas, so add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free vegetable broth and cornstarch or arrowroot flour to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in diced zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers for more variety. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so the veggies remain tender but not mushy.

How can I make it spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. Freshly chopped chili peppers can also be sautéed with the onions if you like a bold kick.

What can I use instead of white wine?

You can replace the white wine with extra vegetable broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity. Both options work well to maintain the stew’s bright flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Easy Veggie Stew Recipe | Vegan Pea Soup that makes it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s approachable for cooks of any level and flexible enough to become a weeknight staple or a dish to impress guests. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it — go ahead, give yourself the gift of this vibrant, comforting vegan stew today!

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