Name: Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: Vegan butter or olive oil → adds richness.; 1 onion → base flavor for the stew.; 8 oz mushrooms (shiitake and cremini recommended) → savory, meaty texture.; 4 garlic cloves → for robust flavor.; 1 tsp dried thyme → layers of herby flavor.; 1 tsp dried rosemary → additional fragrant herbs.; 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour → thickens the broth.; 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce → umami depth.; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard → subtle tang that balances richness.; 4 cups vegetable broth → flavorful liquid base.; 3 medium potatoes, cubed → hearty comfort.; 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini preferred) → protein + creaminess.; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any dairy-free milk) → creamy finish.; Fresh parsley → optional garnish for brightness.

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of stew to bring comfort to the table. The Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew is a perfect dish to satisfy your craving for something hearty and wholesome. This 1-pot recipe has a creamy texture, thanks to the addition of almond milk, and it’s packed with delightful flavor from ingredients like savory mushrooms and fragrant herbs. Best of all, it’s completely vegan and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Not only does this stew taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly nourishing. With protein-rich white beans and tender potatoes, each serving is filling and satisfying, offering an impressive 17 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber. Plus, it comes together in just 45 minutes, which means you can enjoy a comforting home-cooked meal even on the busiest of weeknights. So whether you’re winding down after a long day or cooking for a cozy weekend gathering, this stew is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew

Here are just a few reasons why this stew recipe is fantastic:

One-pot recipe → easy cooking, minimal cleanup.
Plant-based and gluten-free → fits a variety of diets.
Creamy without dairy → thanks to almond milk (or any dairy-free alternative).
Protein + fiber-rich → filling and satisfying with 17g protein and 13g fiber per serving.
Flavorful & cozy → infused with rosemary, thyme, garlic, tamari, and Dijon mustard.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. First, ensure you have a large pot or a Dutch oven available to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably. A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula will also come in handy for stirring and combining the ingredients.

As you begin, gather your ingredients and have them prepped and ready to go. Chop your onions, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. It’s also wise to measure out your spices, cornstarch, and any liquids so you can add them in at the right moments without fumbling around. This way, you can keep your focus on enhancing the flavors of your stew, ensuring a delicious result.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew:

Vegan butter or olive oil → adds richness.
1 onion → base flavor for the stew.
8 oz mushrooms (shiitake and cremini recommended) → savory, meaty texture.
4 garlic cloves → for robust flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme → layers of herby flavor.
1 tsp dried rosemary → additional fragrant herbs.
2 tbsp cornstarch or flour → thickens the broth.
2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce → umami depth.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard → subtle tang that balances richness.
4 cups vegetable broth → flavorful liquid base.
3 medium potatoes, cubed → hearty comfort.
1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini preferred) → protein + creaminess.
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any dairy-free milk) → creamy finish.
Fresh parsley → optional garnish for brightness.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the vegan butter or heating the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes softened and aromatic, usually around 3-5 minutes. Next, introduce your sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper into the pot. Cook everything until the mushrooms begin to brown and release their moisture, which adds depth to the stew. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and monitor for an extra minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build Flavor

To enrich the flavors already present in the pot, sprinkle the cornstarch over the sautéed vegetables. This will create a light coating and help to thicken the stew later. Next, pour in the tamari and Dijon mustard and combine everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings penetrate all the ingredients.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the stew to cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and develop a comforting base for the stew.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

After the potatoes have softened, stir in the white beans and the dairy-free milk of your choice. Let the mixture simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing everything to become creamy and well-mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more tamari, mustard, or salt as needed, ensuring it’s packed with flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the stew reaches your desired consistency and flavor, ladle it into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and brightness. Serve it up with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy every hearty spoonful!

Variations

Here are some fun variations to experiment with in your Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew:

Protein: Add cooked quinoa or lentils for extra protein and texture.
Vegetables: Toss in diced carrots, celery, or even kale to enhance the nutritional value.
Spices: Mix in smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Cooking Notes

If you need to make the stew gluten-free, ensure your tamari is labeled as gluten-free.
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before adding them to the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

Pair it with slices of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth.
Serve with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Tips

To speed up the cooking process, use pre-chopped vegetables.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320
Protein: 17g
Sodium: 550mg

FAQs

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of white beans?

If you don’t have white beans, you can substitute them with chickpeas or kidney beans for a different texture and flavor.

How can I make this stew spicier?

To add spice, mix in some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

Can I add more vegetables to this stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding your favorite vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew is a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. This hearty, flavor-packed dish will warm both your body and soul during chilly months. We’re confident that each bowl will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Don’t hesitate to try out various ingredients and toppings to make this recipe your own. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below with your experiences or share your unique variations!