Vegan Mushroom Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm your heart and fill your belly, this Vegan Mushroom Stew is just the ticket! It’s packed with earthy flavors and hearty vegetables, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and I love how it brings everyone together around the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering with friends, this stew is sure to impress.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever veggies you have on hand. So grab a pot, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This stew uses wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying the delicious flavors with your loved ones.
• Family-Friendly: With its rich taste and filling properties, even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare it in advance and reheat it for quick meals throughout the week.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or herbs to make this stew truly your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is half the fun! Each one contributes to the delightful flavor of this Vegan Mushroom Stew. You’ll find that they combine beautifully for a dish that’s both nourishing and comforting.

For the Base

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrot
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 16 oz. baby Bella mushrooms, halved
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

For Flavor

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 2 tablespoons flour

For Liquid Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 16 oz. baby yellow potatoes, halved
• 1 cup uncooked split red lentils
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves

For Seasoning

• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Vegan Mushroom Stew is how flexible it is! Feel free to make it your own with these variations:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of greens.
• Change the Lentils: Use green lentils or chickpeas if you prefer a different texture.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Herb Swap: Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can add a fresh touch right before serving.

How to Make Vegan Mushroom Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery along with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Sautéing these aromatics for about 8 minutes brings out their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base for your stew.

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Garlic

Next, toss in the halved baby Bella mushrooms and minced garlic along with the dried thyme, oregano, sage, and more salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. This step adds depth to your stew by infusing those wonderful earthy flavors.

Step 3: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for about a minute while stirring frequently; this helps thicken your stew as it simmers later on.

Step 4: Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce to deglaze the pan. Be sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom—the flavor from those bits will enhance your stew greatly!

Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the baby yellow potatoes, split red lentils, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, bay leaves, along with some salt and pepper. Stir gently until combined; each ingredient plays an important role in creating that comforting bowl of goodness.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Bring everything to a simmer over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally so that those lovely lentils don’t stick to the pan. Once it’s simmering nicely, turn down the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes until those potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once done cooking, taste your stew and season as needed with extra salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving—you want that beautiful pop of color! Serve alongside some mashed potatoes or crusty bread for an unforgettable meal.

Enjoy every hearty spoonful of this Vegan Mushroom Stew!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Mushroom Stew

This Vegan Mushroom Stew is not only easy to make but also deliciously adaptable. Here are some tips to ensure your stew turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose fresh mushrooms: Fresh baby Bella mushrooms enhance the flavor and texture of your stew, making it more satisfying and hearty.
• Don’t skip the deglazing: When you add balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, you’re not just adding flavor; you’re also lifting the browned bits from the pot, which contributes to a richer broth.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so be sure to taste your stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor.
• Let it simmer longer if needed: If you prefer a thicker stew, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Store leftovers properly: This stew stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove and consider adding a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much.

How to Serve Vegan Mushroom Stew

Serving this warm and comforting Vegan Mushroom Stew can elevate your dining experience! Here are some delightful ways to present this dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich flavors of the stew.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy some heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can take your stew to a whole new level.

Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that soak up all that delicious stew, creating a comforting combination.
• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your stew, adding both texture and heartiness.
• Steamed broccoli: The mild flavor and vibrant color of steamed broccoli not only provide nutritional balance but also make for an appealing plate.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds freshness and complements the rich flavors of the stew without overpowering it.

Enjoy your cozy bowl of Vegan Mushroom Stew along with these suggestions for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Mushroom Stew is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make a hearty batch ahead of time. It stores well and can easily be reheated for a quick, delicious meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
• The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this Vegan Mushroom Stew:

Can I make this Vegan Mushroom Stew in advance?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better after sitting for a day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

What can I serve with Vegan Mushroom Stew?

This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. You could also serve it over rice for a hearty meal.

Is there a way to enhance the flavor of Vegan Mushroom Stew?

You can add extra herbs or spices according to your taste preferences. A splash of lemon juice before serving can also brighten up the flavors!

How long does Vegan Mushroom Stew last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Vegan Mushroom Stew as much as I do! It’s not only hearty and comforting but also packed with nutritious ingredients that create a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or meal prepping for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!