Cook a stew

What can we use if we don't have vegetable broth or a wooden spoon?

If you don't have vegetable broth, measure 4 cups of water and add a vegetable bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and salt when you pour it into the pot, and if you don't have a wooden spoon use a heatproof spatula to stir the onion and garlic.

What should we do if the onion burns or the carrot and potato are still hard after 15 minutes?

If the onion starts to brown while stirring for about 2 minutes, ask the adult to lower the heat and add a splash of broth, and if the carrot and potato are still hard after simmering for 15 minutes, keep the pot covered and simmer longer, checking and stirring once or twice.

How can this activity be adjusted for different age groups?

For toddlers have them wash hands, gather ingredients, and stir with the wooden spoon while an adult handles the stove and chopping; school-age kids can measure the oil and broth and help cut soft vegetables with adult supervision; older children and teens can chop the onion, garlic, carrot, potato, and bell pepper with adult help and manage the simmering step.

How can we personalize or improve the vegetable stew before sharing it on DIY.org?

To personalize the stew, add a can of drained chickpeas or cooked pasta after pouring in the 4 cups of broth, finish with a pinch of dried herbs or fresh chopped parsley when you taste it, and take a photo of your finished vegetable stew to share on DIY.org.