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+ servings

California Summer Vegetable Stew with Greens

A vibrant, light summer vegetable stew inspired by Ukrainian green borscht, packed with spinach, zucchini, and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Soup, Summer, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth 64 oz
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil preferably California extra-virgin
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 medium carrot diced
  • 3 large potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups fresh spinach packed
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from about 1 Meyer lemon
  • 4 large eggs hard-boiled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley or dill chopped
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • for serving sour cream optional

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Add the cubed potatoes, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add the sautéed onion and carrot, along with the diced zucchini and spinach, to the pot with the potatoes. Continue to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and fresh herbs. Remove from heat.
  5. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve immediately, topped with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g

Notes

For hard-boiled eggs: place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to ice water to cool before chopping.
You can swap spinach for Swiss chard or kale; if using kale, add it with the potatoes for extra tenderness.
This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
To make it vegan, skip the eggs and sour cream, or use a plant-based yogurt.
For a heartier meal, serve with crusty sourdough bread.
Avoid overcooking the zucchini to keep a pleasant texture.
The lemon juice brightens the flavors; add it just before serving for best results.

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