Hearty Vegan Stew

Hearty Vegan Stew is a wholesome, one-pot meal packed with root vegetables, plant-based protein, and aromatic herbs. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for cold weather or when you need a cozy, nutritious dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, savory flavor without meat
• Packed with fiber and nutrients from a variety of vegetables and legumes
• Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully
• One-pot simplicity: Easy cleanup and satisfying results
• Customizable: Works with whatever veggies or beans you have on hand

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Yellow onion, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Carrots, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Potatoes (Yukon gold or red), diced
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Vegetable broth
• Canned chickpeas or lentils (drained and rinsed)
• Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf
• Paprika or smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: kale or spinach, chopped
• Optional thickener: cornstarch slurry or mashed potato

directions

this recipe

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms and cook until they begin to release moisture, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Incorporate tomato: Add tomato paste and canned tomatoes. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Simmer: Add potatoes, chickpeas/lentils, herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Add greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Thicken (optional): Use a cornstarch slurry or mash a few potatoes in the pot to thicken the stew if desired.
7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or over rice.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeño
• Bean swap: Use black beans, navy beans, or kidney beans instead of chickpeas
• Root veggie mix: Add turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes
• Grain addition: Add cooked barley, quinoa, or farro for extra heartiness
• Creamy twist: Stir in coconut milk or cashew cream at the end

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between

FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes—sauté the aromatics first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Yes, just increase the liquid and simmer time. Red lentils will soften faster than green or brown.

How do I thicken the stew naturally?

Mash some of the potatoes or beans into the broth, or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your broth and any optional additions.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, add them in during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best type of potato for stew?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape well and have a creamy texture.

Can I meal prep this stew?

Absolutely—divide into containers and refrigerate or freeze for easy meals.

What herbs work best?

Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and parsley add classic savory notes.

Can I add tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?

Yes, but reduce the quantity slightly and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Is this stew filling enough for dinner?

Yes, it’s loaded with protein, fiber, and complex carbs—perfect for a full, satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Hearty Vegan Stew is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that proves you don’t need meat to enjoy a rich and filling meal. Whether you serve it with bread, rice, or on its own, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a go-to favorite for cool nights and plant-based eating.

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