Hearty Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1, diced)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Carrots (2, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Potatoes (2, cubed)
• Tomatoes (2 cups, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes))
• Vegetable broth (4 cups)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried (or 1 tablespoon fresh))
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish))

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and cubed potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
6. Once done, remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.