Serious Tomato & Herb Slow-Braised Stew
A deeply flavorful tomato stew simmered for hours to develop rich, complex layers of taste, perfect for a contemplative evening meal. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 70 minutes pairs Ripe Roma tomatoes, Extra-virgin olive oil, medium, finely diced Yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 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.
Ingredients
- 450g Ripe Roma tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced Yellow onion
- 1 medium, finely diced Carrot
- 20g, leaves stripped Fresh thyme
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, freshly ground Black pepper
- 120ml Dry white wine
- 240ml Vegetable stock
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add 1 finely diced yellow onion and 1 finely diced carrot, then cook for 8 minutes until golden and very soft, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 450g diced Roma tomatoes, 20g fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a thick paste.
- Step 3: Pour in 120ml dry white wine and simmer for 5 minutes until the alcohol evaporates, then add 240ml vegetable stock. Bring to a bare simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 45 minutes on the lowest heat possible, stirring once every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Serious Tomato & Herb Slow-Braised Stew take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 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 Serious Tomato & Herb Slow-Braised 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 ripe roma tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Serious Tomato & Herb Slow-Braised 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 Serious Tomato & Herb Slow-Braised Stew 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 Serious Tomato & Herb Slow-Braised Stew?
Mediterranean slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better slow cooker dishes though.