Slow-Simmered Tomato & Basil Vegetable Stew
A deeply authentic vegetable stew that evolves through slow cooking to develop rich, complex flavors without any artificial enhancements. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs chopped heirloom tomatoes, medium, diced 1/4-inch carrots, large, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 2 lbs, chopped heirloom tomatoes
- 3 medium, diced 1/4-inch carrots
- 1 large, finely diced onion
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; add 1 large finely diced onion and 2 stalks diced celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 medium diced carrots, then cook for 3 minutes until fragrant, adding 1 tsp sea salt to draw out moisture.
- Step 3: Add 2 lbs chopped heirloom tomatoes and 3 cups chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 45 minutes until vegetables are very tender and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Remove pot from heat, stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to deepen before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato & Basil Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato & Basil 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 chopped heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Tomato & Basil 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato & Basil Vegetable Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato & Basil Vegetable Stew?
Italian soups 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
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better soups dishes though.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
