Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew Recipe
Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew recipe.
It’s hearty, packed with fresh vegetables, and bursting with flavor. I appreciate how quickly it comes together in my Instant Pot, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Plus, the combination of textures—from tender potatoes to crisp carrots—keeps every bite interesting. It’s a comforting dish that warms you up, perfect for chilly evenings.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s a game-changer for your meal rotation!
Ingredients of Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew
When it comes to creating a cozy, comforting meal, this Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew is a winner. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you need something hearty and wholesome. The best part? It all comes together quickly, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
You’ll be amazed at how easy it’s to whip up a pot full of deliciousness with just a handful of ingredients. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to make this delightful stew.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew:
- 1 leek, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 2 portabella mushroom caps, diced
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 6 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 (8 ounce) package seitan, sliced (optional, but oh-so-good)
- 4 cups water (or less if you prefer a thicker stew)
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Wondra Flour (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. If you’re not familiar with seitan, it’s a fantastic meat substitute made from wheat gluten, which gives it a chewy texture that many people love.
But if you’re not into it or just prefer to keep things simple, feel free to leave it out. The vegetables in this stew are super versatile, too; you can mix and match based on what you have on hand. Have some leftover veggies in your fridge? Toss them in.
As for the seasonings, the herbes de Provence adds a lovely aromatic touch, but if you don’t have it, a blend of thyme and rosemary can work just as well. The beauty of cooking is that you can adapt it to your taste!
How to Make Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew
Alright, let’s get that Instant Pot fired up and plunge into making this delicious vegetarian stew. First things first, grab your 1 leek. Halve it lengthwise and slice it up. This is going to give our stew a lovely base flavor.
In your Instant Pot, hit that sauté button and add 1 teaspoon of canola oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your sliced leek and 2 diced portabella mushroom caps. Give them a good stir and let them sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll know it’s working when your kitchen starts to smell like a cozy little bistro.
Now, it’s time to bring in the heavy hitters—6 peeled and sliced carrots, 3 russet potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes, and 2 sliced celery ribs. These veggies are about to become best friends in your pot.
Pour in 4 cups of water (don’t worry, you can adjust this later if you prefer a thicker stew), and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of herbes de Provence and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for that extra depth of flavor. Season with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper, but feel free to adjust to your taste. Give everything a nice stir to combine, and then secure the lid on your Instant Pot.
Set it to the Stew function for 13 minutes. If you’re like me and don’t want your veggies too mushy, you might want to dial it back a minute or two.
While that’s cooking, let’s multitask—because who doesn’t love a good kitchen hustle? In a skillet on the stove, sauté a package of sliced seitan (that’s an optional ingredient, but it adds a fantastic chewy texture) until it’s browned and well-cooked. Set that aside for now.
Once the Instant Pot beeps, allow for a 15-minute natural release. You could do a quick release, but why rush perfection? After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure—pro tip: cover the valve with a towel to avoid a steam shower.
Open the lid, and voilà! You’ve got a beautiful medley of veggies and broth. Add in your sautéed seitan, 1 cup of frozen peas, and the magic thickening agent: 2 tablespoons of Wondra Flour dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water.
Set the Instant Pot back to sauté for a minute or two, letting everything bubble together and thicken up. And just like that, you’ve made a hearty stew that’s sure to warm your soul. Who knew cooking could be this easy, right?
Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to contemplate.
For a different flavor, try adding sweet potatoes instead of russets or toss in some butternut squash.
If you’re not a fan of seitan, chickpeas or lentils can be great protein alternatives.
Feel free to swap out the herbes de Provence for Italian seasoning or even curry powder for a spicier kick.
And don’t hesitate to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew
What pairs perfectly with a hearty bowl of Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew? I love serving it with warm, crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
A side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette adds a revitalizing contrast. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider a side of quinoa or brown rice to complement the stew’s flavors.
And don’t forget a dollop of creamy avocado or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for extra richness. These simple sides elevate the meal, making it even more satisfying and delightful!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Instant Pot Vegetarian Stew, it’s essential to remember a few tips to enhance the overall experience.
First, don’t rush the sautéing process; it builds flavor.
Second, feel free to customize veggies based on what’s in season or your preferences. If you want a heartier stew, consider adding beans or lentils.
For extra depth, try incorporating a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Finally, let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy your stew with crusty bread for a satisfying meal—trust me, you won’t regret it!