This hearty vegetarian stew comes together in under 30 minutes.

　　

Ingredients

6–8 servings

　　1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable broth or water

　　1 medium onion, finely chopped

　　2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

　　4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

　　4 medium potatoes, any variety, peeled and diced

　　1/2 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces

　　1 to 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, or to taste

　　2 to 3 teaspoons good- quality curry powder, or to taste

　　1 teaspoon ground cumin

　　1/2 teaspoon turmeric

　　1 to 2 small fresh hot chili peppers, seeded and minced (optional)

　　1 (15-ounce) can light coconut milk

　　8 to 10 ounces green beans (fresh or organic frozen) or slender asparagus, cut into 1- to 2-inch lengths

　　3 to 4 ounces baby spinach

　　1/4 to 1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro, plus more for topping

　　Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

　　

Step 1

Heat the oil, broth, or water in a large soup pot. Add the onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat until the onion is golden. Add the carrots, potatoes, and 2 cups water and bring to a rapid simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are about half tender.

　　

Step 2

Add the cauliflower, ginger, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, chili peppers (if desired), and coconut milk. Return to a simmer; add the green beans or asparagus. Continue to simmer gently, covered, until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes longer.

　　

Step 3

Mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon to thicken the stew’s base. Stir in the spinach and cilantro and cook just until the spinach is wilted. The stew should have a thick consistency, with just enough liquid to warrant serving it in bowls rather than on a plate. Adjust the liquid with water or nondairy milk, keeping in mind that as the stew stands, it will thicken. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

　　From Plant Power © 2014 by Nava Atlas. Reprinted with permission by HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.Buy the full book from HarperCollins or from Amazon.