Vegetarian Stew in Bread Bowls

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 8 -1/2 hours

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Oct. 24, 2022
Shortly before we had our third child, my husband wisely got our first slow cooker. This was the first recipe I tried on a cool day. It felt great to both take care of the kids and eat a warm, homemade meal at the end of the day. —Maria Keller, Antioch, Illinois
Vegetarian Stew in Bread Bowls Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cubed red potatoes (about 4 medium)
  • 2 cups chopped celery (about 4 ribs)
  • 2 medium leeks (white portion only), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1-3/4 cups coarsely chopped peeled parsnips (about 2 medium)
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 medium)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) Italian crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 8 large sourdough rolls

Directions

  1. In a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 8-9 hours or until vegetables are tender.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into stew. Cook, covered, on high 30 minutes or until thickened.
  3. Cut a thin slice off the top of each roll. Hollow out rolls, leaving 1/2-in.-thick shells (save removed bread for another use). Serve stew in bread bowls.