Hearty Greek Vegetable and Bean Stew
As the crisp autumn air settles in, there's nothing quite like a warming bowl of Hearty Greek Vegetable and Bean Stew to bring comfort and nourishment. This robust dish is a celebration of vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and protein-rich beans, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a healthier, meatless meal. This hearty stew features tender potatoes, succulent zucchini, and crunchy green beans simmered in a rich tomato base, then enriched with the fresh flavors of parsley and dill. Topped with creamy reduced-fat feta, this stew is not only satisfying but also perfect for sharing with family and friends during cozy evenings at home.
4-6 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Onions
3 cups (chopped)
Potatoes
1 cup (peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
Water
1/2 cup
Zucchini
3 1/2 cups (cut into 1/2 inch thick slices)
Green beans
2 1/2 cups (cut into 2 or 2 1/2 inch pieces)
Diced tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (undrained)
Great Northern beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh dill
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Reduced-fat feta cheese
1/2-3/4 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become light golden brown and fragrant.
2
Introduce the peeled and cubed potato to the pot along with half a cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 5 minutes to soften the potatoes.
3
Add the sliced zucchini, cut green beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and rinsed great northern beans to the pot. Stir everything well to combine, then cover again and let the stew cook for approximately 35 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
4
Once the vegetables are cooked through, fold in the freshly chopped parsley, dill, oregano, and ground black pepper. Stir gently to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the stew.
5
Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and finish each serving with a generous sprinkle of crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese for added creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Greek Vegetable and Bean Stew?
It is a robust Greek-inspired dish featuring vibrant vegetables like potatoes and zucchini, protein-rich Great Northern beans, and fragrant herbs in a rich tomato base.
Is this stew suitable for a meatless diet?
Yes, this stew is a fantastic vegetarian option and is specifically highlighted as a healthy, meatless meal.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
The stew is naturally vegan until the feta cheese is added at the end. To make it vegan, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15.5-ounce can of Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The primary vegetables are onions, potatoes, zucchini, and green beans.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Potatoes should be peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes.
How long do I need to sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 5 minutes until they are light golden brown and fragrant.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the two 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes should be added undrained to provide the stew's liquid base.
What kind of oil is best for this dish?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and adding flavor.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be cut into 1/2 inch thick slices.
What is the recommended size for the green beans?
The green beans should be cut into 2 or 2 1/2 inch pieces.
How long does the stew need to simmer once all vegetables are added?
The stew should cook for approximately 35 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
What fresh herbs are used in this stew?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of fresh flat-leaf parsley and 2 teaspoons of fresh dill.
When should the herbs be added?
Fold in the parsley, dill, and oregano once the vegetables are completely cooked through.
What kind of pot is recommended for cooking?
A large Dutch oven is ideal for preparing this hearty stew.
Is there any added water in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is added along with the potatoes to help them soften during an initial 5-minute simmer.
What type of cheese is used as a topping?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 to 3/4 cup of crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese.
Does the recipe call for dried or fresh oregano?
The recipe specifically lists 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chopped onions.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, as a hearty stew, it typically stores and reheats well, making it great for multiple meals.
What seasoning provides a bit of heat or bite?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Why are the potatoes cooked before the other vegetables?
The potatoes are simmered for 5 minutes with water first because they generally take longer to soften than zucchini or green beans.
Is this a seasonal dish?
While it can be enjoyed year-round, it is described as a perfect warming dish for the crisp autumn air.
Can I use frozen green beans?
The recipe assumes fresh green beans, but frozen could be used as a substitute; just be mindful of potential changes in cooking time.
How much zucchini do I need?
You will need 3 1/2 cups of sliced zucchini.
What is the total amount of diced tomatoes used?
The recipe uses two 28-ounce cans, totaling 56 ounces of diced tomatoes.
Should the beans be rinsed?
Yes, the Great Northern beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
How is the feta cheese applied?
The crumbled feta cheese is sprinkled generously over each individual bowl of stew before serving.
What makes this stew healthy?
It is high in fiber from beans and vegetables, uses healthy fats from olive oil, and includes nutrient-dense fresh herbs.