Timeless Tomato & Herb Stew
A slow-simmered, deeply flavorful stew with heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, and tender vegetables, embodying the essence of 'old' comfort food. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 85 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, medium carrots, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 145 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 heirloom tomatoes
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 2 stalks celery
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 2 lbs heirloom tomatoes, 3 medium carrots, 1 large onion, and 2 celery stalks into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince 4 garlic cloves. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, then add vegetables and cook for 8 minutes until onions are translucent and carrots begin to soften.
- Step 2: Add 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 3: Remove herb sprigs, then use an immersion blender to puree half the stew until smooth for a rich texture. Return to pot, stir gently, and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Timeless Tomato & Herb Stew take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (20 min prep + 65 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 Timeless Tomato & Herb 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 heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Timeless Tomato & Herb 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 Timeless Tomato & Herb 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 Timeless Tomato & Herb Stew?
Mediterranean one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
