Mato Grosso-Inspired Cassava and Vegetable Stew

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

A warming stew featuring cassava root and seasonal vegetables simmered with regional herbs and spices from Brazil’s Mato Grosso region. This brazilian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 65 minutes pairs olive oil, large, chopped yellow onion, red, diced bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 5, 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: 50 min Serves 5 Brazilian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 6 minutes until vegetables soften and onions are translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 lb peeled cassava chunks, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until cassava is tender and stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with lime wedges to squeeze over for a bright finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mato Grosso-Inspired Cassava and Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Mato Grosso-Inspired Cassava and Vegetable Stew?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mato Grosso-Inspired Cassava and Vegetable Stew?

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 Mato Grosso-Inspired Cassava and Vegetable Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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.

Is Mato Grosso-Inspired Cassava and Vegetable Stew vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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