How to make a stew without any water whatsoever
How to make a stew without any water whatsoever is a easy International recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Jon Kung on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $14.05 total, $3.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Tomatoes (medium, diced)
- 1 large Eggplant (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 2 medium Zucchini (sliced into half‑moons)
- 8 oz Mushrooms (cleaned and quartered)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and sliced diagonally)
- 2 medium Parsnips (peeled and sliced diagonally)
- 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for searing)
- 1 tsp Curry Powder (or ras el hanout or chili powder, to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 pieces Oxtail (optional) (trimmed, can be omitted for vegan version)
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables
Wash all vegetables. Dice the tomatoes, cube the eggplant, slice the zucchini, quarter the mushrooms, and slice the carrots and parsnips diagonally. Mince the onion, garlic, and grate the ginger.
Time: PT10M
Sear Aromatics
Heat the large pot over medium heat, add olive oil, then add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Spices
Stir in the curry powder (or chosen spice blend) and cook for 1 minute to bloom the flavors.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Combine All Vegetables
Add the diced tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and parsnips (and optional oxtail) to the pot. Toss to coat with the aromatics and spices.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Simmer Without Added Water
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the vegetables simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables will release their own juices, creating a natural broth.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: low
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes
- Instead of Eggplant: zucchini
- Instead of Zucchini: yellow squash
- Instead of Mushrooms: cremini mushrooms, portobello
- Instead of Carrots: parsnips
- Instead of Parsnips: carrots
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic paste
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: ground ginger
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Curry Powder: garam masala, cumin
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot with Lid
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sear aromatics to develop flavor
- Allow vegetables to release their own juices without adding water
- Simmer on low heat to prevent burning and concentrate flavors
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the ripest tomatoes for maximum juice
- Roast the eggplant and zucchini briefly before adding for a deeper smoky flavor
- Add a handful of fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) just before serving for brightness
Troubleshooting
Stew is too dry or sticks to the bottom
Add a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth and continue simmering uncovered for 5‑10 minutes.
Stew is too watery
Uncover and simmer on low heat for an additional 10‑15 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Vegetables are undercooked
Increase simmer time by 5‑10 minutes, checking for tenderness with a fork.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Not recommended; cool to room temperature before refrigerating
Make-Ahead Tips
- The stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of waterless vegetable stew in vegan cuisine?
Waterless cooking is a modern, health‑focused technique that emphasizes extracting natural juices from vegetables, a method popularized by plant‑based chefs to maximize flavor and nutrients without added broth or water. It reflects the vegan movement’s commitment to simplicity, sustainability, and nutrient density.
What are the traditional regional variations of waterless vegetable stews in global cuisine?
While the exact term ‘waterless stew’ is contemporary, similar concepts appear in Mediterranean ratatouille, Indian vegetable curries cooked down, and Japanese nabe dishes where vegetables release their own liquid. Each region adjusts spices and herbs to reflect local flavors.
How is waterless vegetable stew traditionally served in vegan or plant‑based gatherings?
It is often served hot in a communal bowl, accompanied by crusty bread, rice, or quinoa. In vegan gatherings, it may be garnished with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or toasted nuts for texture.
What occasions or celebrations is waterless vegetable stew associated with in vegan culture?
The dish is popular for casual weeknight meals, pot‑lucks, and seasonal harvest celebrations where the focus is on fresh, locally sourced produce and minimal waste.
How does waterless vegetable stew fit into the broader vegan cuisine tradition?
It embodies the vegan ethos of using whole plant foods, maximizing natural flavors, and reducing reliance on processed broths or dairy. The technique showcases how vegetables alone can create a rich, satisfying broth.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for waterless vegetable stew versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include high‑water‑content vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and parsnips, plus aromatics such as onion, garlic, and ginger. Substitutes can be any other juicy veg—bell peppers, summer squash, or even leafy greens—depending on availability.
What other vegan dishes pair well with waterless vegetable stew?
Pair it with quinoa, brown rice, or a simple lentil salad. A side of roasted chickpeas or a fresh cucumber‑mint salad adds texture and contrast.
What makes waterless vegetable stew special or unique in vegan cuisine?
The stew relies solely on the vegetables’ own moisture, creating an intensely concentrated, nutrient‑dense broth without added stock or water. This results in a cleaner flavor profile and higher vitamin retention.
How has waterless vegetable stew evolved over time in plant‑based cooking?
Originally a technique used in low‑sodium or budget cooking, it has been refined by vegan chefs who experiment with spice blends, seasonal veg, and optional protein additions like oxtail (for non‑vegan versions) or tempeh for vegans.
What are common misconceptions about waterless vegetable stew?
Many think the stew will be dry, but the natural juices released from the vegetables create a luscious broth. Another myth is that it requires exotic ingredients; everyday grocery veg work perfectly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making waterless vegetable stew?
Adding extra water defeats the purpose, and cooking on too high a heat can cause the vegetables to scorch. Also, overcrowding the pot prevents proper liquid release, so chop veg into uniform, bite‑size pieces.
Why does this waterless vegetable stew recipe use low heat instead of high heat?
Low heat allows the vegetables to gently release their juices without burning, ensuring a smooth, concentrated broth and preserving delicate flavors and nutrients.
Can I make waterless vegetable stew ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the stew improves after resting. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Jon Kung specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jon Kung focuses on innovative cooking techniques, quick home‑cooking tutorials, and modern twists on classic dishes, often emphasizing simplicity and flavor efficiency.
How does the YouTube channel Jon Kung's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Jon Kung emphasizes minimalist ingredient lists and techniques like waterless cooking that extract maximum flavor without added broth or dairy, whereas many other vegan channels rely heavily on store‑bought sauces or extensive ingredient inventories.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
