Hearty Vegetable and Quinoa Stew

This Hearty Vegetable and Quinoa Stew is a nourishing and satisfying dish that combines a medley of fresh vegetables with protein-packed quinoa for a wholesome meal. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting bowl of goodness, this stew is packed with flavor and nutrients.

The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a hearty stew that’s both filling and delicious. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.

Whether you enjoy a touch of spice or prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. This stew not only makes for a hearty dinner but also stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Instructions

1. Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. This guarantees that the quinoa has a clean flavor when cooked. Once rinsed, set the quinoa aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini. These vegetables will form the base of your stew, providing a variety of textures and flavors.
3. Add the rinsed quinoa to the slow cooker, followed by the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the vegetable broth, and then sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the vegetables to become tender while the quinoa cooks perfectly.
5. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. This will wilt the greens without losing their vibrant color and nutrients. Once the stew is ready, give it a good stir before serving.

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