Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Stew
This Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Stew is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, legumes, and aromatic herbs, capturing the essence of rustic Italian cooking. It combines tender zucchini, creamy cannellini beans, and tangy artichokes, all stewed together in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also wholesome and satisfying. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal, or ladle it over your favorite pasta for an extra hearty option. A delightful way to enjoy seasonal vegetables while sharing the flavors of Tuscany with friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
zucchini
2 (halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
diced tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can (undrained)
cannellini beans
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
artichoke hearts
1 (15 ounce) can (quartered)
kalamata olives
2 tablespoons (coarsely chopped)
capers
1 tablespoon (coarsely chopped)
fresh parsley or basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
crusty bread
optional (for serving)
cooked pasta
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2
Add the zucchini to the pot, cover with a lid, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3
Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed cannellini beans, and quartered artichoke hearts. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
4
Add the chopped kalamata olives, capers, and half of the fresh parsley (or basil) to the pot. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Remove from heat and garnish the stew with the remaining parsley (or basil). Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Stew?
It is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, legumes, and aromatic herbs that captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking.
What are the primary vegetables in this stew?
The stew primarily features zucchini, cannellini beans, and artichoke hearts.
How much olive oil is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of olive oil to sauté the garlic.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Three cloves of garlic should be minced before cooking.
How do I prepare the zucchini for the stew?
Halve 2 zucchinis lengthwise and then cut them into 1/2 inch pieces.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, you should use one 8-ounce can of diced tomatoes and include the liquid (undrained).
What type of beans are used in this Tuscan stew?
The recipe uses two 15.5-ounce cans of cannellini beans.
How should the cannellini beans be prepared?
The beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the pot.
How are the artichoke hearts prepared?
Use one 15-ounce can of artichoke hearts and cut them into quarters.
What kind of olives are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped kalamata olives.
Are capers included in the Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Stew?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of coarsely chopped capers is added for a tangy flavor.
Which fresh herbs can I use for garnishing?
You can use 1/4 cup of either fresh parsley or fresh basil, chopped.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Cook the minced garlic in olive oil for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
How long does the zucchini need to cook initially?
The zucchini should be cooked covered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
How long should the stew simmer after adding the main ingredients?
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
When do I add the olives and capers to the pot?
Add the olives, capers, and half of the herbs after the 15-minute simmering period.
How is the stew seasoned?
The stew is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste during the final mixing stage.
What can I serve with this stew to make it a complete meal?
It can be served with crusty bread or ladled over a bed of cooked pasta.
Is this Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Stew vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian dish made entirely from vegetables, beans, and plant-based seasonings.
Is this stew considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed to be cooked in a single large pot, making it an easy one-pot meal option.
Can I use basil instead of parsley?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either fresh parsley or basil based on your preference.
What is the texture of the stew?
The stew has a rich texture featuring tender zucchini and creamy cannellini beans in a tomato-based sauce.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a wholesome and satisfying dish filled with seasonal vegetables and protein-rich legumes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed, including optional items like bread and pasta.
What makes this stew 'Tuscan'?
The combination of cannellini beans, artichokes, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs gives it a traditional Tuscan profile.
Can I make this stew for a crowd?
Yes, it is a great dish for sharing with friends and family due to its hearty nature.
What temperature should the stew be served at?
The stew should be served hot immediately after garnishing with fresh herbs.
Are the artichokes fresh or canned?
The recipe specifically calls for canned artichoke hearts that are quartered.
Do I need any special equipment to make this?
No special equipment is needed other than a large pot and a lid.
Is this recipe good for a cozy dinner?
Yes, its rustic flavors and warm temperature make it perfect for a comforting and cozy dinner.