Earthbound Root Vegetable Stew with Smoked Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty stew combining earthy root vegetables and smoky paprika, inspired by the struggle for sustenance on a changing Earth. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 diced carrots, 2 diced parsnips, and 2 diced potatoes, sautéing for 4 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Earthbound Root Vegetable Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Earthbound Root Vegetable Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Earthbound Root Vegetable Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Earthbound Root Vegetable Stew with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Earthbound Root Vegetable Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Mediterranean vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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