Hearty Vegan Root Vegetable & Chickpea Stew

I was craving a hearty winter stew—the kind that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes you want to slow down and settle in for the evening. Something deeply comforting, nourishing, and simple, paired with a generous glass of red wine and a cozy night on the couch watching the latest episode of our current favorite show, The Traitors. One of those nights where the outside world can wait.

This vegan stew came together from that craving. Built on a foundation of onions, garlic, herbs, and tomato paste, it’s layered with earthy root vegetables, tender chickpeas, and a rich, savory broth that simmers into something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of meal that feels grounding—hearty without being heavy, satisfying without needing anything extra.

Perfect for cold nights, quiet evenings, or whenever you want a plant-based meal that truly comforts, this stew is proof that vegan cooking can be just as cozy, soulful, and indulgent as any classic winter dish. Pour the wine, press play, and let the stew do the rest. 🍷🍲

Hearty Vegan Root Vegetable & Chickpea Stew

Serves: 4–6

Time: ~45 minutes

Naturally vegan & plant-based

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

• 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced

• 1 small celeriac (celery root), peeled and diced

• 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 4 cups vegetable broth (plus more as needed)

• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

Instructions

1. Build the flavor base
   Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until soft and lightly golden.

2. Bloom the aromatics
   Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, oregano, and ground coriander. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color and the spices become fragrant.

3. Add the vegetables
   Add the carrots, parsnips, and celeriac to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the tomato-spice mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Simmer the stew
   Add the chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the root vegetables are fork-tender and the broth has slightly thickened.

5. Finish with acidity
   Stir in the sherry vinegar and taste. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with crusty bread, over creamy polenta, or alongside a simple green salad. This stew gets even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or cozy leftovers.

Optional Add-Ins

• A bay leaf during simmering for extra depth

• A handful of chopped kale or spinach stirred in at the end

• Fresh parsley or thyme for finishing

Warm, grounding, and quietly nourishing, this vegan stew is everything you want on a cold night—humble ingredients, layered flavor, and a pot that keeps on giving. 🍲🌱

This hearty vegan root vegetable and chickpea stew is the kind of meal that nourishes on multiple levels—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Designed for cold evenings and slow, intentional eating, it delivers balanced nutrition while still feeling deeply comforting and indulgent. Built entirely from whole, plant-based ingredients, this stew supports sustained energy, digestive health, and overall wellness without relying on processed components.

At its core, the stew is powered by chickpeas, a plant-based protein and fiber powerhouse. Chickpeas provide complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling satisfied long after the bowl is empty. They are also rich in iron, folate, magnesium, and zinc—nutrients that support energy production, immune function, and cellular health. The combination of protein and fiber makes this stew especially satiating, an important factor for balanced eating during the winter months when cravings for heavier foods often increase.

The trio of **root vegetables—carrots, parsnips, and celeriac—**adds depth, texture, and an impressive array of micronutrients. Carrots are well known for their beta-carotene content, which the body converts into vitamin A to support eye health, immune function, and skin integrity. Parsnips offer potassium and soluble fiber, supporting heart health and digestion, while celeriac contributes vitamin K and antioxidants that help combat inflammation. Together, these vegetables provide natural sweetness and body to the stew without the need for added sugars or thickeners.

Aromatics like onion and garlic form the foundation of both flavor and health benefits. These alliums contain sulfur-containing compounds that support immune health, cardiovascular function, and natural detoxification processes in the body. Garlic, in particular, has been studied for its potential role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

The herbs and spices—thyme, oregano, coriander, and black pepper—do more than season the stew. They offer antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that support gut and immune health. Tomato paste adds richness while delivering lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, especially when consumed in cooked form. A finishing splash of sherry vinegar brightens the dish while supporting digestion by stimulating stomach acid production, helping the body better absorb nutrients.

From a wellness perspective, this stew is naturally cholesterol-free, high in fiber, and low in saturated fat, making it supportive of heart health and metabolic balance. Its warm, savory profile also promotes mindful eating—encouraging slower meals that support digestion and satisfaction. Paired with adequate hydration and rest, meals like this can play a role in reducing stress and supporting overall well-being during the darker winter months.

Ultimately, this vegan stew is nourishment in its purest form: grounding, warming, and deeply sustaining. It’s a reminder that plant-based meals don’t have to be light or fleeting—they can be robust, satisfying, and profoundly supportive of long-term health, one comforting bowl at a time. 🌱🍲