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Hearty vegan stew with classic flavors

Featured in Cozy soups to warm your heart.

This updated take on a traditional slow-cooked stew combines hearty root vegetables, mushrooms, and beans for a rustic, filling texture. A mix of fresh herbs and well-balanced seasoning gives it the depth typical of classic stew recipes. The tomato-rich sauce, thickened naturally, coats the veggies perfectly while soy sauce and balsamic vinegar add a touch of umami flavor. A comforting and satisfying plant-based dish with all the charm of its non-vegan counterpart.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:15:08 GMT
Hearty vegan stew with classic flavors Pin it
Hearty vegan stew with classic flavors | Tastyhush.com

Classic vegetable stew brings hearty comfort food to life with tender vegetables and rich flavors. This meatless version delivers all the warmth of traditional stew with a velvety sauce that coats every wholesome ingredient perfectly.

Even dedicated meat-lovers are won over by this stew's deep, satisfying flavors. The rich sauce and tender vegetables create such an authentic stew experience that most don't realize it's completely plant-based.

Key Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Carrots: Choose firm, bright orange carrots, preferably organic for best flavor
  • Potatoes: Select waxy varieties that hold their shape while cooking
  • Mushrooms: Use firm, fresh button mushrooms with clean white caps
  • Garlic: Pick fresh, firm cloves for maximum flavor impact
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme provide essential aromatic depth
  • Soy Sauce: Adds necessary umami depth to the broth

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1.
Begin with careful prep work. Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking - slice carrots on the diagonal, cube potatoes consistently, and bias-cut celery for visual appeal.
2.
Start with aromatics. Slowly cook onions and garlic until softened but not browned to create a flavorful foundation.
3.
Layer in vegetables strategically. Add firmer vegetables first, allowing proper cooking time. Add mushrooms last to maintain their texture.
4.
Create the liquid base carefully. Combine vegetable broth with soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for a rich, complex foundation.
5.
Thicken with precision. Mix cornstarch with cold water first, then stream in while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
6.
Allow for gentle simmering. Cook slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally as flavors meld together.

The beauty of this stew lies in how the flavors develop and intensify over time.

This stew has become a cherished Sunday dinner tradition, bringing warmth to family gatherings.

Traditional Stew Pin it
Traditional Stew | Tastyhush.com

Flavorful Variations

  • Add parsnips and turnips for a winter version
  • Include white beans for extra protein
  • Enhance the sauce with red wine
  • Top with freshly chopped parsley before serving

The perfect sauce comes from balanced seasonings and patient, slow cooking.

This recipe demonstrates how plant-based cooking can deliver the same comfort and satisfaction as traditional dishes, making it perfect for family meals.

At its heart, this stew embodies home cooking - nourishing, generous, and bringing loved ones together around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can frozen vegetables be used?
Definitely! Just adjust your cooking time since frozen veggies cook faster than fresh ones.
→ How can I make it gluten-free?
Swap the soy sauce for tamari and double-check that your vegetable broth doesn’t contain gluten.
→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Sure! It’s even tastier the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
→ What sides go well with it?
Serve it with crusty bread, brown rice, or creamy polenta for a complete meal.
→ How can I pack in more protein?
Toss in some chickpeas, cooked lentils, or cannellini beans to up the protein content.

Old-school vegan stew

A deeply flavorful vegan stew made with fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables, simmered slowly to create a warming and filling dish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Vegetables

01 One onion, finely diced
02 Two garlic cloves, minced
03 Three large carrots, sliced up
04 A couple of celery stalks, cut into pieces
05 Two cups of small potatoes, halved
06 One cup of white mushrooms, chopped into slices and quarters
07 A single cup of frozen peas

→ Liquids and Condiments

08 Two tablespoons of olive oil
09 Two cups of veggie stock
10 A 540ml can of diced tomatoes with garlic
11 Three tablespoons of soy sauce
12 One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

→ Herbs and Spices

13 One teaspoon of Italian seasoning mix
14 Two sprigs of rosemary
15 A small bunch of fresh thyme

→ To Thicken

16 Two tablespoons of cornstarch
17 Three tablespoons of water

Instructions

Step 01

In a big pot, warm up the olive oil, toss in the onion and garlic. Stir things around for about 3-4 minutes until the onion looks soft and clear.

Step 02

Add the carrots, celery, tiny potatoes, mushrooms, and peas to the pot. Let that cook for two or three minutes.

Step 03

Throw in the Italian seasoning, veggie broth, canned tomatoes, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and thyme. Stir it all up and bring it to a boil.

Step 04

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until they’re smooth. Add this to the stew, giving it a good stir.

Step 05

Turn the heat down low, pop a lid on the pot, and let it gently cook for 45 minutes or until the veggies are nicely soft.

Notes

  1. This dish stays fresh for up to 4 days if chilled in a fridge
  2. You can freeze it for up to 3 months

Tools You'll Need

  • A big lidded pot
  • A sturdy wooden spoon
  • A small bowl for mixing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (from soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 225
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 8 g