This thick and hearty Potato Stew recipe features tender potatoes, delicious aromatics, and also some chewy eggplants for a wholesome dinner meal. It's incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just under an hour, making this is the ultimate vegan stew.

This potato stew is the perfect recipe to have in your cooking arsenal, since it's simple to prepare and uses readily available ingredients. It's perfect for days when you come home hungry, but there's not much food in your fridge. I'm sure my ultimate eggplant potato stew recipe will come to the rescue that day!
What's best is that it's enjoyed by kids and adults alike and is incredible simple to make. You only need a handful of pantry staples to give a delicious, flavorful, and comforting stew every single time.
And even though it's a potato stew, it also features chewy eggplants making it one of my best vegan eggplant recipes!
Serve with crusty bread on the side for a healthy weeknight dinner! I’ve made this recipe many times and know how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, I've used a simple ingredient that's my secret to the most flavorful stew ever, and I'll share it with you in this post.
Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this potato stew is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious potato stew today!
Jump to:
- What is a Potato Stew?
- Why This Is The Best Potato Stew Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make Potato Stew Step by Step
- Tips For Making the Best Potato Stew Every Single Time
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations for Potato Stew
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Make Potato Stew Ahead of Time?
- How to Store Leftover Potato Stew
- Similar Recipes
- Recipe
What is a Potato Stew?
Potato stew is a dish made by cooking potatoes and other vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and garlic, in a flavorful broth until the vegetables are soft and tender. The dish can be seasoned with herbs and spices and often includes protein, such as beef, chicken, or sausage.
What's good about this dish is that it's a filling and nutritious meal that's easy to prepare and can be customized to suit any taste preference. It's also versatile and can be made vegan or vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting any meat. The potatoes and vegetables provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for any meal.
My potato stew recipe features a secret ingredient combination that truly takes it to the next level and adds an amazing flavor to the overall dish. Want to know what the secret to the tastiest potato stew is?
It's the addition of Tamari and ginger powder. This mixture penetrates the vegetables and takes them to another level. It's super simple, but the results are incredible. I'm sure you're going to love it!
Why This Is The Best Potato Stew Recipe
- Choice of vegetables: Eggplant and potatoes are the ultimate buddies. Whether it's a stew or casserole, these two are foolproof choices for any dish.
- Quick and easy: This vegan stew is made with just 8 ingredients not counting salt and black pepper, and is ready to be enjoyed in under an hour. Even if you're a beginner you can make this super easily at home!
- Versatile. For this vegan potato recipe, you'll only need 4 basic vegetables, but you can certainly experiment and add other veggies too like celery, mushrooms, or tomatoes. It's also the perfect recipe to customize with different herbs and spices!
- Affordable: This Potato Stew recipe is cost-effective as it requires inexpensive yet fresh ingredients that are most likely already present in your kitchen. It’s comforting, filling and perfect for those days when you’re on a tight budget.
Ingredients
Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Potatoes: You'll be needing some potatoes for this recipe. They will provide the starchy base for the dish and make it filling. You can use either red or yellow potatoes for it.
Eggplant: We'll also need some eggplant to make this recipe; when roasted, it will give a meaty texture and depth of flavor to the dish. In vegan recipes, eggplant acts as a wonderful substitute for meat. Plus, eggplant is very rich in anthocyanin, a type of pigment with antioxidant properties that are good at protecting cells against damage from harmful free radicals.
Salt: You'll need to season the dish with salt; it will enhance the flavor of all the other ingredients and make them taste more vibrant.
Extra virgin olive oil: You'll need some extra virgin olive oil to cook and dress the dish. It will add healthy fats and fruity aroma to the dish. You can alternatively use any other neutral oil you have on hand.
Cold water or vegetable broth: We'll also need some cold water or vegetable broth to cook the dish; it will create a flavorful broth and keep the dish moist.
Onion: You'll be needing some onion to flavor the dish. It will add sweetness and fragrance to the dish. You can use either white or yellow onion for it.
Carrot: We also need some carrot to add color and sweetness to the dish.It will complement the onion and potato well.
Flavor Enhancers:
Soy sauce or tamari: We'll also need some soy sauce or tamari. It will add depth of umami flavor and saltiness to the dish. Tamari is similar to soy sauce in that they are both made with fermented soybeans, but tamari is usually gluten-free and has a richer flavor. You can use soy sauce if you like, but you will love the taste of tamari and ginger! Also, feel free to use sodium-reduced tamari.
Herbs de Provence: You'll need to sprinkle some herbs de Provence on the dish. It will add complexity of herb flavor and earthy aroma to the dish. If you don't have those, substitute with Italian seasoning, dried thyme, or dried oregano.
Pepper: We'll also need some pepper to season the dish. It will give a spicy kick and balance the saltiness of the dish.
Fresh cilantro or parsley: Last but not least, you'll need some fresh cilantro or parsley to garnish the dish. It will add brightness and freshness to the dish.
How to Make Potato Stew Step by Step
Making this nourishing potato stew recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
- Prep the eggplant. Place the eggplant in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Stir and let it sit for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness. Don’t rinse.
- Mix the tamari and ginger. In a small bowl, dilute the ginger powder in tamari or soy sauce.
- Saute the vegetables. Drizzle olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Then add the carrot and sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Finish cooking. Add the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring from time to time. Stir in the eggplant, cold water, tamari mixture, herbes de Provence, and black pepper.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
- Serve the stew. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro leaves or parsley.
Your delicious Potato Stew is ready to be served.
Tips For Making the Best Potato Stew Every Single Time
Choosing the right eggplant: For this eggplant potato stew recipe choose the medium size eggplant that is firm but not hard. Its skin should be bright purple without wrinkles and with no or very few brown spots. Blemishes like this indicate that the eggplant is old and when you work with the eggplant you might have to cut them out. Plus. make sure the stem of the eggplant is green and free of mold.
Cut the potatoes uniformly: Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This will also help to prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others are still undercooked.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs will add a bright, aromatic flavor to the stew. Add them towards the end of cooking so that they don't lose their flavor or color.
Serve with crusty bread: The stew pairs perfectly with a crusty or artisan bread to sop up all the delicious sauce. Slice the bread and toast it in the oven while the stew is cooking for an even better experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the potato stew with a side of warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added freshness.
- If you serve it as a main meal, make sure to complement it with a colorful vegetable salad like Asian Beet Salad or Broccoli Mushroom Salad.
- For a more substantial meal, serve the potato stew over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. The grains will add texture and bulk to the dish.
- And if you want to add some protein consider some beans like this Cannellini Bean Salad or White Bean Stew. They're both great choices. You can even have it with some lentils!
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can be a delicious addition to the potato stew, providing a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.
- For a fun twist on traditional potato stew, serve it in a baked potato bowl. Simply cut a baked potato in half and scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell. Fill the shell with the potato stew and garnish with a sprinkle of cheese or herbs.
Recipe Variations for Potato Stew
Spicy: For a spicy variation, add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the stew. This will give the dish an extra kick and add a depth of flavor that is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. Alternatively, you can also add spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and smoked paprika.
Creamy: For a creamier consistency, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the stew while it’s still simmering. This will add a rich, tangy flavor that complements the potatoes well.
Tomato based: You can also add some canned tomatoes and/or tomato paste to the potato stew if you want to make this dish tomato-based.
Meaty: For a meaty variation, add diced beef or pork to the stew. This will add a rich flavor and protein to the dish, making it perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Herb-infused: For an herb-infused variation, add in some fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage. This will add a fragrant and savory flavor to the stew. You can also add delicious greens like spinach or kale to it
Veggies: You can also add other veggies you can. Consider adding some zucchinis, red peppers, frozen peas, parsnips, mushrooms, or any other veggie you like to the stew. You can also experiment with aromatics like garlic cloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to make the stew spicier is to add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Another option would be red pepper flakes. For some Indian flavor, stir in a teaspoon or two of curry powder.
Absolutely. Soy curls, seitan, or chickpeas are all great options.
Yes. However, make sure your cooking pot is big enough to fit all the vegetables. If you overcrowd the pot, it's going to be difficult to brown all the veggies. If you want to double the recipe and you don't have a big pan, you can either cook the stew in batches or use two pans.
Yes! This easy stew is packed with basic but good-for-you vegetables such as onion, carrot, eggplant, and potatoes. In addition, ground ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which makes this stew even healthier.
You can, just make sure not to skip sautéing the onion and carrots on the stovetop as this brings so much flavor. Otherwise, you can add everything into the crockpot and cook for 4-6 hours on low, making sure you don't overcook it so the eggplant doesn't get soggy.
How to Make Potato Stew Ahead of Time?
Certain steps of this eggplant potato stew recipe can be done ahead of time. This will significantly speed up the cooking process.
First, you can chop the onion and carrot and then keep them refrigerated for 7 to 10 days.
To go even further, you can also sauté the onion and carrot in advance and then refrigerate in the airtight container for up to 7 days.
You can do the same thing with the potatoes, however, make sure they're covered with water and store them in a fridge for no longer than 24 hours.
How to Store Leftover Potato Stew
Leftover potato stew should be stored in an airtight container and it will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a microwave for 30 to 40 seconds or until warm.
What's best is that you can also freeze it. Distribute the stew among the freezer-friendly zipper bags leaving ¼- to ½- inch of space to allow for expansion in the freezer. Lay the bags flat in the freezer where they'll keep for 3 months.
To thaw, leave the eggplant potato stew to defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then simmer in a pot for a few minutes. If you're short on time, you can throw a bag with a veg stew in a pot of hot water, defrost it there and then reheat it on the stovetop.
If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment below and rate it. I always appreciate the feedback. Also, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Similar Recipes
Recipe
Eggplant Potato Stew Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant diced into small chunks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ c tamari or soy sauce use reduced sodium version if possible
- ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus extra (use water if oil-free)
- ¾ c cold water or vegetable broth
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 large carrot diced or cut into rounds
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning or any other dried herbs
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoon cilantro or parsley for serving
Instructions
Prep the eggplant.
- Place the eggplant in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Stir and let it sit for 10 minutes. This will get rid of the bitterness. Don’t rinse.
Mix Tamari and ginger.
- In a small bowl, dilute the ginger powder in Tamari or soy sauce.
Sauté the vegetables.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the carrot and sauté for another 5 minutes.
Finish cooking.
- Add the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring from time to time. Stir in the eggplant, cold water, tamari mixture, herbes de Provence, and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
Serve.
- Serve eggplant stew immediately with a sprinkling of cilantro or parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
fritzi redgrave says
used one large potato instead of 3-4 small ones so as to keep the flavor of the eggplant more prominent. I did not have any carrots, so used a small green apple in its place
James Lovely says
Salty mess.
Deb says
This week I made your dill pickle soup and today I tried your eggplant soup. Both of them were absolutely delicious.
The egg plant definitely serves up as comfort food with a slight nod to French onion soup. I found a recipe for herbs de province and it was perfect for this stew.
Thank you for sharing.
Iryna says
Deb, thank you so much for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm so happy you enjoyed both of those recipes:)
Therisa says
This was a wonderful warm filling dish. My house smells great and the taste is calling me back for the leftovers. I used my Vitamix on the onions, carrots, and ginger. The eggplant and the potatoes showed up very well against that background.
Iryna says
Therisa, thank you so much for your lovely comment and a 5-star rating! I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Kevis says
I bought several items from the “Second Harvest” bin at my organic grocer— potatoes, sweet potato, eggplant, broccoli. Then I googled “eggplant potato recipe” and your stew appeared. I made it according to the recipe with the substitution of a sweet potato for one of the potatoes, added the broccoli flowers in the last bit of cooking, and followed your suggestion to add a bit of cayenne. It was easy and so delicious. Perfect for the cold, rainy day we are having.
Iryna says
Kevis, thank you so much for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm happy you enjoyed this recipe! Adding sweet potatoes and broccoli sounds like a great idea.
Carol says
This stew is just the nicest surprise that I have had in a long while. I found some small Indian eggplant on special and decided to try this recipe. It honestly made me wonder how this is not a really popular way to make a lovely, comforting vegetable dish. Just love this and will look forward to making it way often!
Iryna says
Carol, thank you so much for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm so happy you loved this recipe. It's one of my favorite comforting stews as well:)
Arlene says
Do you know how much and when I would add fresh ginger if I don't have the powdered kind? Would fresh work or is powdered a better choice?
Iryna says
Fresh ginger will work too. I would say you need about 1 tsp of grated fresh ginger.
Daren says
Tried this tonight, a lovely warming stew. I threw in some kale to steam for the last 5 minutes to add some extra colour and crunch. Thanks.
Iryna says
Daren, thank you for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Valerie says
We love stew here, it's such a great winter comfort food. I love how easy your recipe is to follow!
Gwynn Galvin says
This recipe is delicious and is the ideal comfort food to warm you on a chilly evening. Looking forward to making it again and again!
Tara says
This stew looks so comforting! I love the variety of vegetables and how it all comes together in under an hour. So good!
Andrea says
Easy to make, easy to clean up and delicious. My kind of stew.
Tawnie Kroll says
I've been craving hearty, warm stews and this hit the spot! Leftovers were just as delicious too, thank you!
Mashka says
O, potatoes and aubergine! Great combination. And looks so yummy. Thank you.
Iryna says
You're welcome!