Description
A vibrant and creamy stew showcasing the best of summer produce like zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and carrots. Light yet hearty, this dish is perfect for warm-weather meals and can be easily adapted to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups diced zucchini
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can corn, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 cups diced cooked chicken or other protein
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add diced potatoes and carrots to the pot; cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add diced zucchini, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn (with liquid), rubbed sage, all-purpose seasoning, and optional cooked protein. Stir to combine.
- Bring the stew back to a gentle boil; cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of evaporated milk; pour the remaining evaporated milk into the stew and stir.
- In a small bowl, mix the reserved evaporated milk with cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew.
- Simmer the stew for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh diced tomatoes if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit any meat.
- To make it vegan, substitute butter and evaporated milk with plant-based alternatives and skip the cheese.
- Feel free to add other summer vegetables like green beans, peas, or spinach.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry or simmering longer to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
