Healthy Crockpot Vegetable Coconut Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Vegetable Coconut Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 cup potatoes, cubed; 1 tsp curry powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh coriander for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Healthy Crockpot Vegetable Coconut Stew on busy days. Throwing all the ingredients together in the crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully while I focus on other tasks. This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can use any veggies you have on hand, and the creaminess from the coconut milk makes every bite so satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that leave you feeling good and energized!

Created by

Noemi Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:43:09.099Z

Whenever I need a comforting meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort, this Healthy Crockpot Vegetable Coconut Stew is my go-to. The method is simple: just chop the vegetables, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic over the course of the day. I love experimenting with seasonal veggies which add a unique twist, maintaining the excitement in each bowl.

One of my favorite tips for enhancing the stew is to add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. This makes a world of difference, elevating the dish’s flavors and freshness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and loaded with vitamins from a variety of vegetables
Rich coconut flavor that creates a creamy texture
Perfect meal prep option for busy weekdays

      

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Healthy Crockpot Vegetable Coconut Stew plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture. The coconut milk not only adds creaminess but also balances the spices and enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies. When selecting vegetables, consider their cooking times; root vegetables like carrots and potatoes will take longer to soften, while green beans and zucchini will lose texture if overcooked. This balance ensures that every bite features a mix of tender and slightly crisp vegetables, maximizing enjoyment.

If you're looking to customize the vegetable mix, feel free to experiment with seasonal produce. For instance, swapping out zucchini for butternut squash or adding leafy greens like spinach towards the end of cooking can bring fresh flavors to the dish. Each substitution can slightly alter the cooking time, so keep an eye on your ingredients the first time you make these adjustments.

Tips for Perfect Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your stew is all in the timing. Since the crockpot cooks slowly, layering vegetables based on their cooking times is essential. I recommend placing denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the pot, allowing them to absorb flavor while cooking thoroughly. Add quicker-cooking veggies such as zucchini and bell peppers about halfway through the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.

To enhance the creaminess of the stew, a quick tip is to mash a portion of the potatoes before serving. This not only thickens the stew but also gives it a velvety mouthfeel. Just take a fork and mash a few cubes right in the pot before garnishing. This simple technique transforms the overall texture, making every spoonful even more satisfying.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a wholesome and delicious stew:

Ingredients

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 cup potatoes, cubed
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish

Now that you have all your ingredients, let's start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your healthy stew:

Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure everything cooks evenly in the crockpot.

Combine in the Crockpot

Add the chopped vegetables, coconut milk, vegetable broth, curry powder, and cumin into the crockpot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Set the Timer

Cover the crockpot with its lid, set it on low, and let it cook for about 6 hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes!

Final Touches

Once done, taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and garnish with fresh coriander for added flavor.

Your healthy and delicious stew is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have available. Adding a splash of lime juice just before serving enhances the flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with a dollop of yogurt or cashew cream for added creaminess. If you're aiming for a heartier meal, consider adding chickpeas or lentils to increase protein content, making this dish even more filling.

For a bright finish, a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of lime zest right before serving can elevate the dish, adding a burst of citrusy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the coconut milk. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also work well for garnishing, adding an aromatic touch.

Storage and Reheating

This stew stores well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For freezing, ensure you leave some space in the container as the stew will expand when frozen.

When reheating, be mindful of the heat level. Gently warm it on low on the stove or in a microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the stew thickens too much after refrigeration, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating can help restore its silky consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Just add them directly to the crockpot without thawing.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Just store in airtight containers and it can last for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make this stew spicy?

Yes! You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase the heat according to your preference.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew goes well with quinoa, brown rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.