Vegan Stew with Dumplings

The Vegan Stew with Dumplings is one of those soul-soothing dishes that just wraps you in warmth. I remember the first time I made it—it was a chilly winter evening, and the wind howled outside. I was craving something hearty yet wholesome. The delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen as I prepared this stew brought back memories of family gatherings and comforting meals. Each bite was a reminder of the love and care that goes into cooking from scratch, with each ingredient telling a story of its own.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to clean out the fridge. The dumplings, fluffy and light, add a delightful texture to the hearty stew. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this dish is a winner. It’s perfect for dinner parties, a cozy night in, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Trust me, once you try this Vegan Stew with Dumplings, it will become a go-to in your kitchen.

Recipe Ingredients for Vegan Stew with Dumplings

When it comes to the ingredients for the Vegan Stew with Dumplings, each component plays a crucial role in creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. The combination of hearty vegetables and protein-rich lentils establishes a nutritious base, while the dumplings provide a comforting texture that elevates the entire meal.

• 7 oz cooked Potatoes – These serve as the base for the dumplings, bringing a creamy texture that binds everything together.
• 3.5 oz All-purpose flour – Essential for making the dumpling dough, providing structure.
• 1 Tbsp Corn starch – Helps to thicken the stew while also giving the dumplings a light texture.
• ½ tsp Baking powder – Adds a bit of lift to the dumplings, making them fluffy.
• ½ tsp Thyme (dried) – A fragrant herb that enhances the flavor profile, though optional.
• ½ tsp Salt – Essential for seasoning.
• 1 Tbsp Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• 1 small Onion – Provides a savory base for the stew.
• 4 cloves Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
• 2 medium Carrots – Adds sweetness and nutrition.
• 1 Celery stalk – Contributes a subtle crunch and flavor.
• 14 oz canned Brown lentils – A great source of plant-based protein.
• 10 oz Potatoes – Adds heartiness to the stew.
• 2 ½ cups Veggie broth – Forms the flavorful base of the stew.
• ½ cup Chopped tomatoes – Brings acidity and freshness to balance the flavors.
• 2 Tbsp chopped Parsley (fresh) – For garnishing and added freshness.
• 6 sprigs Fresh thyme – For a more intense herbal flavor.
• 2 Bay leaves – Adds depth to the stew.
• 2 tsp Sweet smoked paprika powder – Gives a smoky flavor that enhances the stew.
• 2 tsp Oregano – Another herb that adds complexity.
• 2 cubes Dark chocolate – Surprisingly enhances the richness of the stew.
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch – Used for thickening the stew.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.

How to Make Vegan Stew with Dumplings

Making the Vegan Stew with Dumplings is a delightful experience that brings warmth into your kitchen. The process is straightforward, yet each step fills your home with comforting aromas. Let’s get cooking!

1. Start by peeling and finely chopping the small onion and garlic. Their flavors will form the base of our stew, so it’s essential to get these right.
2. Next, peel and slice the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking throughout the stew.
3. For the dumplings, you’ll want to prepare potatoes by peeling, cutting, and cooking them until tender. This step is crucial as it will create the dough for your dumplings.
4. In a large bowl, mash the cooked potatoes with a fork until smooth. Then, add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, optional thyme, and salt. Mix everything well with your hands until a dough forms.
5. Next, bring a stockpot filled with water to a boil. With your hands, form small balls of the dumpling dough, about the size of 2 Tbsp. Carefully drop them into the boiling water. Continue this process until all the dough is used up. Cook the dumplings for around 7 to 8 minutes, ensuring they remain tender and fluffy.
6. While the dumplings are cooking, preheat your Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Once heated, add olive oil and the chopped onion. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until they become tender.
7. Now, add the finely chopped garlic. Stir and cook for an additional minute. This step allows the garlic to infuse its flavor into the oil.
8. Next, toss in the chopped celery and carrot. Stir and let them cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness.
9. Proceed by adding the chopped parsley, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, sweet smoked paprika, oregano, chocolate, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
10. In the next step, add the chopped tomatoes and veggie broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
11. Once boiling, add the remaining potatoes and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes until they are nearly tender. This will create a hearty stew base.
12. In a separate bowl, mix some cornstarch with a bit of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the boiling stew and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens.
13. Finally, add the drained brown lentils to the stew. Stir everything together until well combined.
14. Once the dumplings are cooked, gently add them to the stew. Your Vegan Stew with Dumplings is now ready to serve!

Recipe Notes about Vegan Stew with Dumplings

This Vegan Stew with Dumplings is not only wholesome but also packed with flavor. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well! Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Variations: Experiment with different veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to keep it exciting.
• Serving Suggestions: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs for a lovely presentation.

Great Combinations for Vegan Stew with Dumplings

The Vegan Stew with Dumplings is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas on how to serve it for maximum enjoyment:

• Comforting Side Dishes: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a fluffy roll is perfect for soaking up the hearty stew.
• Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the stew perfectly.
• Seasonal Pairings: In winter, roasted vegetables or a winter slaw can add a crunchy contrast.
• Occasions: This dish is great for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.
• Meal Prep: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Vegan Stew with Dumplings is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With its rich ingredients and cozy dumplings, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something nourishing and delicious. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Vegan Stew with Dumplings

The perfect comfort food for winter nights, this Vegan Stew with Dumplings is a hearty, vegan delight filled with nourishing ingredients. Each spoonful is packed with flavor and warmth, making it an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Cast-iron Dutch Oven (3-quart / 2.8 liter)
• Stockpot

Ingredients

  

• 7 oz Potatoes cooked
• 3.5 oz All-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp Corn starch
• ½ tsp Baking powder
• ½ tsp Thyme (dried) optional
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Onion small
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 2 Carrots medium
• 1 Celery stalk
• 14 oz Brown lentils canned
• 10 oz Potatoes
• 2.5 cups Veggie broth
• ½ cup Chopped tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp Parsley (fresh) chopped
• 6 sprigs Fresh thyme
• 2 Bay leaves
• 2 tsp Sweet smoked paprika powder
• 2 tsp Oregano
• 2 cubes Dark chocolate
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Start by peeling and finely chopping the small onion and garlic. Their flavors will form the base of our stew, so it’s essential to get these right.
• Next, peel and slice the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking throughout the stew.
• For the dumplings, you’ll want to prepare potatoes by peeling, cutting, and cooking them until tender. This step is crucial as it will create the dough for your dumplings.
• In a large bowl, mash the cooked potatoes with a fork until smooth. Then, add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, optional thyme, and salt. Mix everything well with your hands until a dough forms.
• Next, bring a stockpot filled with water to a boil. With your hands, form small balls of the dumpling dough, about the size of 2 Tbsp. Carefully drop them into the boiling water. Continue this process until all the dough is used up. Cook the dumplings for around 7 to 8 minutes, ensuring they remain tender and fluffy.
• While the dumplings are cooking, preheat your Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Once heated, add olive oil and the chopped onion. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until they become tender.
• Now, add the finely chopped garlic. Stir and cook for an additional minute. This step allows the garlic to infuse its flavor into the oil.
• Next, toss in the chopped celery and carrot. Stir and let them cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness.
• Proceed by adding the chopped parsley, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, sweet smoked paprika, oregano, chocolate, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
• In the next step, add the chopped tomatoes and veggie broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Once boiling, add the remaining potatoes and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes until they are nearly tender. This will create a hearty stew base.
• In a separate bowl, mix some cornstarch with a bit of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the boiling stew and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens.
• Finally, add the drained brown lentils to the stew. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Once the dumplings are cooked, gently add them to the stew. Your Vegan Stew with Dumplings is now ready to serve!

Notes

This dish is not only wholesome but also packed with flavor. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well! Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Variations: Experiment with different veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to keep it exciting.
• Serving Suggestions: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs for a lovely presentation.

Keyword Dumplings Recipe, Hearty Vegan Dinner, Plant-based Comfort Food, Vegan Stew

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.