Thick and Rich; Great for Chilly Evenings

When I first made this stew I was surprised at how thick and hearty it is. If you’re craving a simple and honest comfort meal, this is the stew for you.

8 new potatoes (the little, sweet, tender ones, red- or yellow-skinned)
3 large carrots
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
4 broccoli stalks (without florettes), peeled and cut into 1/2″ pieces
2 small zucchini, sliced
1 cup frozen lima beans (optional)
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
1/4 tsp celery seed
1/4 tsp dried sage
1/4 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 cups water
8 oz flavoured seitan, cut into chunks (optional)

Place the potatoes and carrots, whole, in your vegetable steamer, covered, over boiling water for 15 minutes. Cut carrots into 1/2 inch slices. Cut potatoes into 1″ cubes (peeling is optional). Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, broccoli, salt, soy sauce, water and seitan, if desired. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Add zucchini, peas and lima beans. Return to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth is thick.

Toast up some whole grain bread to dip in this stew, and you’ll be in hearty food heaven.

Serves 4