Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe
This hearty Vegan Mushroom Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish packed with baby Bella mushrooms, tender baby potatoes, red lentils, and aromatic herbs. Slow-simmered in a savory broth enriched with balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, this stew offers a perfect balance of earthiness and tang. Ideal for a cozy meal, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and fresh parsley garnish.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced carrot
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 16 oz. baby Bella mushrooms, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 16 oz. baby yellow potatoes, halved
Dry Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Liquids and Condiments
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup uncooked split red lentils
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the base vegetables: Add diced onion, sliced carrot, and celery to the pot along with a couple pinches of salt and cracked pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add mushrooms and aromatics: Stir in halved baby Bella mushrooms, thinly sliced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, sage, and additional salt and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes to release flavors and soften the mushrooms.
- Incorporate flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Continue cooking while stirring frequently for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and help thicken the stew.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift all the flavorful browned bits. This step adds depth and umami to the stew.
- Add hearty ingredients: Add halved baby potatoes, uncooked split red lentils, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and 2 bay leaves. Season with additional salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent lentils from sticking.
- Simmer to tender: Reduce heat to low and let the stew gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and lentils are cooked through. Stir intermittently to maintain an even consistency.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve the stew alongside mashed potatoes or your choice of side for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Be sure to stir frequently after adding flour to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer it slightly longer after potatoes are tender.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and vegetable broth to control salt levels.
- This stew freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Keywords: vegan mushroom stew, mushroom lentil stew, vegan comfort food, hearty vegan stew, easy vegan dinner, vegan stew recipe