Vegan Potato Stew (Grandma’s Recipe)

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This cozy vegan potato stew is a hug in a bowl – simple to make, budget-friendly, and ready in under an hour. Inspired by my grandma’s kitchen, it’s full of tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and warming spices, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Potato Stew

When the weather turns crisp, this stew is exactly what you need. It’s filling without being heavy, nourishing without being complicated, and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand. My grandma would make it often in autumn and winter, and I still love how adaptable it is – you can throw in whatever veggies you need to use up.

Here’s why it’s worth making:

• Budget-friendly and made with simple, everyday ingredients
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free
• Cozy, comforting, and perfect for cold days
• Easily customizable with extra vegetables or spices
• Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly

Ingredient for the stew

• Onions & carrots – The aromatic base for flavor and sweetness. White, yellow, or even shallots work fine.
• Potatoes – Any variety will do: white, Yukon gold, or red. Just cut them into medium-sized cubes so they cook evenly.
• Tomato – A small amount adds richness and balance. Use canned tomatoes, tomato paste, or fresh tomatoes.
• Spices – My mix includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, paprika, and rosemary. Add chili powder for heat, or fresh parsley at the end for brightness.
• Tapioca starch – Thickens the stew to a silky texture. Cornstarch or arrowroot can be used instead.
• Water or vegetable broth – Broth adds more depth, but water works well if that’s what you have.

How to make comforting potato stew

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Chop the onions and carrots into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large pot, then add the onions, carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, salt, and any optional spices. Add a splash of water, stir, and cook for 5–10 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add liquid
Pour in 3–4 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Stir in the tomato
Mix in the canned tomato or paste, and cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken the stew
In a small glass, mix tapioca starch with a little water until smooth. Stir this into the stew and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

FAQ

How do I make it spicier?
Add chili powder, cayenne, or a fresh chopped chili early in the cooking process so the heat infuses into the broth.

Can I make it oil-free?
Absolutely. Instead of olive oil, sauté your vegetables in a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth.

Will sweet potatoes work instead of white potatoes?
Yes — they’ll give the stew a slightly sweeter flavor and a softer texture. You can even do a mix of both.

How can I make the stew thicker without starch?
Mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot before serving. It naturally thickens the stew without needing tapioca, cornstarch, or arrowroot.

Can I freeze this stew?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips for making the best potato stew

• Cut veggies evenly – This ensures everything cooks at the same pace.
• Layer the flavor – Add spices early to infuse the broth.
• Don’t rush the simmer – Letting the potatoes cook gently makes the texture perfect.
• Use it for zero waste cooking – Toss in any extra vegetables you need to use up before they spoil.
• Boost the protein – Swap out some potatoes for a cup of green peas, lentils, or chickpeas.
• Serve it your way – Enjoy with bread, quinoa, rice, or polenta for a heartier meal.
• Finishing touches – I sprinkled pumpkin seeds on top before serving, and it was such a great crunchy addition. Other tasty toppers you can add include fresh parsley, a swirl of vegan cream, toasted sunflower seeds, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Leftovers and storage – Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

What to serve with potato stew

This stew is lovely on its own, but to make it a full meal, try pairing it with:

• Homemade vegan bread – recipe by Veggie Society
• Garlic-roasted broccoli – recipe by Simple Fit Vegan
• Crispy baked polenta fries – recipe by Ela Vegan

Do you have any questions or feedback for the Vegan Potato Stew? Let me know in the comments below. 🙂