Pick Your Protein Healing Veggie Stew
Try this Pick Your Protein Healing Veggie Stew recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Pick Your Protein Healing Veggie Stew recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups of water
- 2 pounds (two 16-ounce bags) of frozen veggies of choice or approximately 6 cups of canned or fresh vegetables of choice (i used a frozen organic mediterranean blend from whole foods and frozen asparagus--see pictures above)
- 1 (15-ounce) can of no salt added diced tomatoes (i
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pure butternut squash purã©e (or
- 1 small yellow onion peeled and left whole*
- 1 tsp. each of thyme rosemary, oregano ground black pepper, dried rubbed sage
- 1 tsp. organic cinnamon
- 2 individual stalks of celery washed and finely diced
- 1 cup of frozen carrot slices or fresh (diced) carrots
- 2 cups of your favorite source of plant-based protein (ex beans, quinoa, or even green or split peas will work)
- 1 tsp. your favorite mustard (i love eden foods bran
- 1 tsp. of coconut aminos for more flavor without exc
- optional: a tiny pinch of your favorite natural sw so i highly suggest not leaving it out; i really like a pinch of stevia extract (1/8 tsp.) but you can use any option you enjoy that works for you (such as 1 tsp. or pure organic maple syrup or 1/2 tsp. of raw, organic cane sugar which are ones i would sug
- Carbohydrate 1.31457666666667 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0367466666666667 g
- Fiber 0.277233336607615 g
- Protein 0.151163333333333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.01174 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (400g)
- Sodium 10.0156666666667 mg
- Sugar 1.03734333005905 g
- Trans Fat 0.00971666666666667 g
- Calories 6 calories
Step-by-step
- Add everything to a slow cooker in the order listed, cook on high for 4 hours.
- After cooking, remove the bay leaf and the onion with a spoon or ladle; discard.
- Enjoy right away or store the leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge and up to a month in the freezer.
- This serves 4-6 cups depending on how big of portions you decide to use.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Pick Your Protein Healing Veggie Stew
As a busy fitness model, finding time to cook healthy, nourishing meals can be a challenge. Between photoshoots, training sessions, and meetings, I often rely on quick and easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. That's where my Pick Your Protein Healing Veggie Stew comes in. It's a versatile, customizable recipe that I've adapted over time, perfect for meal prepping and satisfying those moments when I crave something warm, comforting, and packed with goodness. The beauty of this stew is its adaptability – I change the protein and vegetables based on what’s in season or what I happen to have on hand. It’s essentially a blank canvas for culinary creativity!
The foundation of this stew is a simple yet flavorful broth infused with herbs and spices. I typically use a combination of thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, and a touch of cinnamon for a warm, slightly sweet, and incredibly aromatic base. The addition of coconut aminos provides a subtle umami depth, adding complexity without overpowering the delicate vegetable flavors. The sweetness is balanced beautifully; I prefer a pinch of stevia, but maple syrup or cane sugar would work just as well. One of my favorite parts about this recipe is that I can truly customize it based on my taste and available ingredients. This flexibility has made it a true staple in my diet, enabling me to enjoy a flavorful, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
I often use a pre-made blend of frozen vegetables—it saves time and ensures I have a great variety. However, you can easily use fresh or canned vegetables as well! Frozen asparagus is another fantastic addition; it holds its shape beautifully in the slow cooker and provides a delightful textural contrast to the softer vegetables. The base vegetables, including celery and carrots, add sweetness and depth to the broth, making it incredibly satisfying. As for the protein source, the possibilities are endless! I love using beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, for their hearty texture and fiber content. Quinoa, lentils, or even green peas are fantastic alternatives, offering different flavors and nutritional profiles. The versatility of this stew is a huge bonus for me, especially when I need a flexible, adaptable recipe.
What truly makes this stew a "healing" meal for me is its focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients. It’s a recipe free of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and unnecessary additives. The abundance of vegetables provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to my overall well-being. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch. It's equally delicious served hot, straight from the slow cooker, or chilled as a refreshing salad the next day! The versatility of this stew extends beyond the meal itself; the leftovers are excellent for meal prep, easily stored in the fridge or freezer for later consumption. This eliminates the stress of daily cooking and guarantees healthy, nutritious food always within reach.
One final point: the simplicity of this stew allows for spontaneous creativity. If I have a surplus of a particular vegetable in my fridge, I just add it in. If I'm feeling adventurous, I'll experiment with different spice combinations or add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. Cooking should be fun, and this recipe is a fantastic example of how a simple dish can become a personal expression of culinary exploration. It’s a testament to the power of wholesome ingredients and the joy of adaptable recipes. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike.
This recipe truly represents my lifestyle as a fitness model. It’s packed with nutrients, easy to prepare, and utterly delicious. The flexible nature of the recipe allows me to adapt it to my changing needs and dietary preferences, making it a staple in my repertoire and a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
