Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato Stew (Printable)

Comforting stew with sweet potatoes, beans, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful tomato broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1.1 lbs)
02 - 2 medium Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 0.66 lbs)
03 - 2 carrots, sliced
04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 zucchini, diced
09 - 1 cup baby spinach (optional)

→ Beans & Legumes

10 - 1 can (14 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Tomato Broth

12 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
13 - 4 cups vegetable broth
14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasoning

15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
18 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
19 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
20 - 1 bay leaf
21 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garnish

22 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
23 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrot; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and diced zucchini; cook for an additional 3 minutes.
03 - Add diced sweet potatoes, diced Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, smoked paprika, dried thyme, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until spices become fragrant.
04 - Mix in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are just tender.
06 - Stir in drained cannellini or kidney beans and chickpeas. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until flavors meld and broth thickens.
07 - Add baby spinach if desired, cooking for 2 minutes until wilted.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf.
09 - Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's naturally plant-based but so hearty you won't miss anything else on the plate.
  • One pot means less cleanup, which matters on nights when you're already tired.
  • It tastes even better the next day, so meal prep becomes something you actually want to do.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the pot when you first sauté the onion and celery—give them space so they actually soften instead of steaming.
  • Tomato paste needs those two minutes in the hot oil to lose its metallic edge; skipping that step changes the whole character of the broth.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze half; your future self will thank you on nights when cooking feels impossible.
  • A pinch of smoked paprika is the difference between a good vegetable stew and one that tastes like something you crave.
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