Vegan Mushroom Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Vegan Mushroom Stew is like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet comforting. It’s packed with wholesome vegetables and lentils, making it not just delicious but also filling and nutritious.

This recipe has become a favorite at my dinner table. It’s easy enough for a quick meal but special enough for family gatherings. Plus, everyone loves it—kids and adults alike! Grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into this wonderful stew together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This Vegan Mushroom Stew comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with nourishing ingredients, this stew will please even the pickiest eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this stew in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of mushrooms, garlic, and herbs creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and lentils, this stew is high in fiber and protein—great for a healthy diet!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Vegan Mushroom Stew. These are pantry staples that you might already have on hand!

For the Stew

• 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
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 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
• Kosher salt
• fresh cracked pepper

Variations

One of the best parts about this Vegan Mushroom Stew is how flexible it is! Feel free to customize it based on what you have or prefer.

• Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Change Up the Lentils: Use green or brown lentils if that’s what you have on hand; just adjust cooking times as needed.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
• Swap the Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to use whatever veggies are in your fridge—zucchini or bell peppers would work beautifully!

How to Make Vegan Mushroom Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrot, and celery along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cooking these veggies first softens them and brings out their natural sweetness. Stir occasionally for about 8 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 2: Add the Mushrooms and Seasonings

Next, add the halved mushrooms and thinly sliced garlic along with thyme, oregano, sage, and more salt and pepper. Stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown slightly. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew.

Step 3: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another minute while stirring; this helps thicken your stew later on.

Step 4: Deglaze Your Pot

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce to deglaze the pan! Make sure to scrape up any bits stuck at the bottom—those are all flavor gold!

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Now add in your halved potatoes, uncooked red lentils, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, bay leaves, plus additional salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 6: Let It Simmer

Once simmering, lower the heat and let it gently cook for about 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Give it a taste at the end; adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, garnish your warm stew with fresh parsley before serving. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or enjoy it on its own. Sit back and savor every spoonful of this hearty Vegan Mushroom Stew!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Mushroom Stew

Making this Vegan Mushroom Stew is a breeze, but a few tips can help take it from great to absolutely spectacular!

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the stew. They add brightness and nutrients that can elevate your dish.

• Sauté longer for flavor: Don’t rush the initial sautéing step. Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and slightly caramelized creates a rich base that deepens the overall flavor profile.

• Deglaze with care: When adding balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, make sure to scrape all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds layers of flavor to your stew that you won’t want to miss!

• Adjust seasoning at the end: Tasting your stew before serving allows you to adjust salt and pepper levels. Each ingredient has its own saltiness, so this ensures a perfect balance in flavors.

• Let it sit for better taste: If time allows, let your stew rest for about 30 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating an even richer dish.

How to Serve Vegan Mushroom Stew

Serving this hearty Vegan Mushroom Stew is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary sides that enhance its robust flavors.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.
• Vegan sour cream: A dollop of vegan sour cream provides creaminess and tang, balancing out the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth of your stew. The texture contrasts wonderfully with the soup-like stew.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side that can be served alongside or even under your stew for a heartier meal.
• Steamed green beans: Bright green beans add a crunchy and vibrant contrast while providing additional nutrients.
• Quinoa salad: A simple quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing side that complements the depth of flavors in your stew.

Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t forget to share this delightful Vegan Mushroom Stew with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Mushroom Stew is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy hearty, nutritious meals throughout the week. Whether you’re batch cooking for busy nights or simply want to savor the flavors over a few days, this stew stores beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• For best results, keep any garnishes separate until serving.

Freezing

• Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; when ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• Heat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful Vegan Mushroom Stew!

Can I use different types of mushrooms in my Vegan Mushroom Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite mushrooms. Shiitake and cremini are great alternatives that will add unique flavors to your stew.

How can I make my Vegan Mushroom Stew thicker?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes after cooking or stir in a bit more flour mixed with water during the cooking process.

What can I serve with Vegan Mushroom Stew?

This stew is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal!

Is this Vegan Mushroom Stew good for meal prep?

Yes! This stew is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Vegan Mushroom Stew as much as I do! It’s a cozy dish that warms not just your belly but also your heart. The combination of earthy mushrooms and vibrant vegetables creates a truly special experience. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients or share your version with friends and family. Happy cooking!