Cozy Vegan Comfort Stew in a Crockpot

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Vegetables**:
Start by prepping all of your vegetables — chop the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, parsnips or turnips, and mince the garlic. The beauty of this stew is its flexibility, so feel free to add or omit vegetables based on what you have on hand. If you prefer a thicker stew, feel free to mash some of the potatoes or use a stick blender towards the end of cooking.

#### 2. **Add Ingredients to the Crockpot**:
Once your vegetables are prepped, add them to the Crockpot along with the chickpeas (or white beans/lentils), frozen peas, and diced tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir everything together to combine. Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, turmeric, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.

#### 3. **Cook on Low**:
Cover the Crockpot and cook on **low** for 6-8 hours or **high** for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The stew is done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. You can stir occasionally if you’re around, but it’s not necessary.

#### 4. **Adjust the Seasoning**:
Once the stew is cooked, taste it and adjust the seasoning. Add extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If you like a bit more richness, you can stir in the olive oil at this stage, which will give the stew a silky texture.

#### 5. **Serve & Enjoy**:
Serve the stew hot, and feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a little brightness. Pair it with some warm, crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal. This stew is filling on its own, but it also makes a great side dish to other meals.

### Tips for Perfect Vegan Comfort Stew:

– **Add More Greens**: If you’d like, you can add kale, spinach, or Swiss chard about 30 minutes before the stew finishes cooking. These greens will wilt nicely and add even more nutrition to your meal.
– **For Extra Protein**: If you want to increase the protein content, you can add extra beans, lentils, or even some quinoa.
– **Thicken the Stew**: For a thicker, more hearty consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes and carrots with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to puree part of the stew.
– **Make It Spicy**: If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a chopped fresh chili for some spice.

### Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings):
– **Calories**: 250
– **Fat**: 7g
– **Carbs**: 42g
– **Fiber**: 9g
– **Protein**: 8g
– **Sugar**: 7g

### Why This Cozy Vegan Comfort Stew Is Perfect for You:

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply craving a healthy, delicious meal, this **Cozy Vegan Comfort Stew in a Crockpot** is a perfect option. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and a variety of vegetables, making it both hearty and nourishing. Plus, it’s a great meal prep option that stores well in the fridge for several days or can be frozen for later use.

Let the Crockpot do the hard work while you enjoy the comforting aromas filling your kitchen. This stew is perfect for colder months, but really, it’s a year-round dish that provides warmth and heartiness in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this stew is sure to please everyone at the table.

So, gather your ingredients, throw them into the Crockpot, and enjoy a bowl of comfort in no time!