Begin by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and cook them until they're soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should just start to turn golden.
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, and salt to taste. Stir the spices into the vegetables and let them cook for a minute to release their flavors.
Now it's time to add the potatoes - pour them into the pot and stir everything together so that the potatoes are well-coated with the spices and oil.
Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure that the liquid covers the potatoes. If it doesn't, add a little water until the potatoes are submerged.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot starch and warm water to create a slurry, whisking quickly the entire time to avoid clumping. It will thicken up a LOT. Slowly pour this mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to thicken the stew. Allow the stew to simmer for another 5 minutes to cook the flour fully and reach your desired consistency. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Then, turn off the heat. Stewed potatoes should be served hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Also consider a sprinkle of sumac or a spritz of lemon juice for a bit of tang.