Quinoa and Vegetable Stew
A hearty, South American-inspired stew thickened naturally by the grain's starch
Why This Recipe Works
This vibrant stew uses quinoa as a thickening agent, creating a rich, silky body as the grains release their starch. The earthy spices and rainbow of vegetables make it incredibly satisfying, but the fresh garnishes are what truly bring the flavors to life.
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened and just starting to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, paprika, coriander, and cumin. Cook until the spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds—keep them moving so the garlic doesn't burn.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the potatoes. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are just beginning to soften, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Stir in the quinoa, corn, and tomatoes. Increase the heat to bring the stew back to a simmer, then cover and cook until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
Fold in the peas and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the stew feels too thick, stir in a splash of warm broth to loosen the consistency.
Serve hot, topping each portion with the crumbled cheese, avocado, and cilantro—the cool avocado and salty cheese provide the necessary contrast to the spiced broth.
🍽️ Complete the Meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this recipe?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This stew can be made ahead, but it will thicken significantly as it sits; add warm broth when reheating.
What substitutions can I make?
- white quinoa: If using unwashed quinoa, rinse thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove bitterness.
- queso fresco: feta cheese