Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan)

If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish to cozy up with during chilly nights, you’ve found it! This Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan) is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich and creamy, filled with wholesome goodness from beans, mushrooms, and baby potatoes. This stew is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to your table.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just wanting to treat yourself after a long day, this stew fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s made in one pot—so cleanup is a breeze! Let’s dive into why you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a handful of simple steps, you can whip up this delicious stew in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone will love the creamy texture and hearty flavors—kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for batch cooking; it tastes even better the next day!
• Wholesome ingredients: Packed with nutritious veggies and beans, you’ll feel great serving this dish.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or part of your Sunday meal prep, this stew shines.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan)—just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Base

• 3 Tbsp vegan butter (we like Miyoko’s // or sub olive oil)
• 1 medium onion, diced (yields ~2 cups)
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced (we recommend a mixture of shiitake and cremini)
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• 3/4 tsp dried rosemary
• 3/4 tsp sea salt and pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For Thickening and Flavor

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp tamari or soy sauce (ensure gluten-free as needed)
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

For the Stew

• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lb baby potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (yields ~3 cups)
• 2 (15 oz.) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups dairy-free milk

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat!
• Switch the beans: Use chickpeas or lentils instead of white beans for a different texture.
• Creamier option: Stir in some cashew cream or coconut cream at the end for an even richer flavor.

How to Make Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by adding the vegan butter to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, toss in your diced onion. Sauté until translucent—this step is crucial as it brings out the natural sweetness of the onions. After just a few minutes, add your sliced mushrooms along with thyme, rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms brown nicely; they should release their moisture and create a beautiful base for your stew.

Step 2: Thicken It Up

Once your mushrooms are looking lovely, add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle in cornstarch to coat everything evenly. This step helps thicken our stew later on! Next, stir in tamari and mustard before pouring in vegetable broth along with those delightful diced potatoes. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until those potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Finish with Beans and Milk

Now comes the exciting part! Stir in your rinsed white beans along with dairy-free milk. This will give our stew that creamy texture we all crave! Simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to allow all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Keep an eye on it—the stew will continue thickening as it cools.

Step 4: Serve It Up

When ready to serve, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—like adding more salt or tamari for depth. Ladle into bowls while warm and garnish with freshly chopped parsley plus cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Step 5: Storage Tips

If there are leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to one month. Just remember that it’ll thicken while sitting—so when you reheat it, feel free to add more broth or water until it’s just right!

With this Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan), you’ll have a delicious meal that warms both body and soul!

Pro Tips for Making Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan)

Creating a delicious stew can be a comforting experience, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

• Sauté until golden: Ensure you cook the mushrooms until they are well-browned to release their rich umami flavor, which will enhance the overall taste of your stew.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer longer without a lid to allow more moisture to evaporate. Conversely, if it’s too thick, simply stir in a bit more vegetable broth or dairy-free milk for your desired consistency.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to substitute or add fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end of cooking. Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add depth to the flavor profile.
• Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge overnight for an easy meal.
• Top with texture: For an added crunch, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top before serving. They provide a delightful contrast to the creamy stew.

How to Serve Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan)

Serving this hearty stew is all about enhancing its warm comfort. Here are a few ideas that will make your presentation pop!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the stew.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper not only looks appealing but also adds a hint of spice that complements the creamy texture.
• Lemon zest: Adding a touch of lemon zest right before serving can brighten up the flavors and bring a refreshing twist.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Pair this stew with slices of crusty whole-grain or sourdough bread for dipping. The bread soaks up every bit of goodness from the stew.
• Simple green salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast that refreshes your palate between bites.
• Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make for an excellent side that complements the earthy flavors of the stew.
• Quinoa or rice: A side of fluffy quinoa or brown rice provides extra protein and fiber while soaking up any leftover broth from your cozy stew.

Enjoy preparing and sharing your Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan) with loved ones! It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy nourishing meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 1 month for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave.
• If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or dairy-free milk to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious stew!

Can I use other beans in the Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan)?

Absolutely! While white beans provide a creamy texture, feel free to experiment with other beans such as chickpeas or kidney beans for variation.

How long does Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan) last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this stew will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container!

What can I serve with this Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan)?

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even over rice or quinoa for a complete meal!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply ensure that you use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm that your vegetable broth is gluten-free as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew! It’s not only comforting but also nourishing – perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty. Remember, cooking is all about expressing yourself, so feel free to add your own twist. Enjoy every spoonful and share this delightful recipe with friends and family!