Provençal Vegetable Stew with Spinach Herb Sauce

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

A hearty stew of seasonal vegetables simmered in a herby tomato base, finished with a vibrant spinach sauce for a burst of fresh flavor. This french-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes blends olive oil, diced medium onion, diced carrots into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 French cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced zucchini and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach, 1/4 cup fresh basil, and 1/4 cup fresh parsley, and cook for 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend the stew with an immersion blender until smooth, or transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Provençal Vegetable Stew with Spinach Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Provençal Vegetable Stew with Spinach Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Provençal Vegetable Stew with Spinach Herb Sauce?

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 Provençal Vegetable Stew with Spinach Herb Sauce 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 Provençal Vegetable Stew with Spinach Herb Sauce?

French vegetarian 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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