This delicious vegetarian portobello pot roast recipe is a meatless wonder that is sure to satisfy even the staunchest carnivores in your life. Packed with hearty portobello mushrooms, flavorful yukon gold potatoes, and a medley of other fresh vegetables, it's not only nutritious but also extremely flavorful.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are likely to be familiar to most cooks, there are a few that may not be as common. Pearl onions, for example, are smaller than regular onions and are often found in the frozen food section of your supermarket. If you can't find them, regular onions chopped into large pieces can be used as a substitute. You might also not be familiar with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, but it's becoming more readily available in many supermarkets. If you can't find it, you can use soy sauce as a substitute.
Ingredients for the Vegetarian Portobello Pot Roast
Yukon Gold potatoes: These have a buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them perfect for this recipe.
Baby bella mushrooms: Also known as cremini mushrooms, they add a savory, earthy flavor.
Carrots: These add a slightly sweet flavor and a nice color contrast.
Pearl onions: These are sweet and mild in flavor. If unavailable, you can use regular onions cut into chunks.
Garlic: This adds a robust flavor to the dish.
Fresh thyme: This herb adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor.
Vegetable stock: This forms the base of the sauce.
Dry red wine: This adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the sauce.
Tomato paste: This gives the sauce a rich tomato flavor and a thicker consistency.
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: This adds a tangy, umami flavor.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce.
Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper: These are used to season the pot roast to taste.
Fresh parsley: This is used for garnish and adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
One reader, Dan Harwood says:
This vegetarian portobello pot roast recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The tender potatoes, savory mushrooms, and rich sauce create a comforting and satisfying meal. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it!
Techniques Required for Making Vegetarian Portobello Pot Roast
How to prepare the vegetables: Wash and peel the potatoes and carrots. Clean the mushrooms and trim the stems. Peel the pearl onions and mince the garlic.
How to thicken the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining vegetable stock and cornstarch until combined. Add the mixture to the roast and gently toss to combine. Continue to cook for 1 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens up a bit.
How To Make Vegetarian Portobello Pot Roast
This recipe proves that you don’t need meat to enjoy a good pot roast. This vegan dish has slow-cooked mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, & more in veggie broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼lbsYukon gold potatoes,cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1lbbaby bella mushrooms,large ones cut in half
- 2large carrots,peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2cupsfrozen pearl onions
- 4clovesgarlic,peeled and minced
- 3sprigsfresh thyme
- 3cupsvegetable stock,divided
- ½cupdry red wine,or white wine
- 3tbsptomato paste
- 2tbspvegetarian worcestershire sauce
- 2tbspcornstarch
- kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
- finely-chopped fresh parsley,optional garnish
Instructions
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Add potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, onions, garlic, thyme, 2½ cups vegetable stock, wine, tomato paste and worcestershire together in the bowl of a crock pot, and gently toss to combine.
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Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining vegetable stock and cornstarch until combined. Add to the roast mixture, and gently toss to combine. Continue to cook for 1 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens up a bit.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 109.42kcal
- Fat: 0.41g
- Saturated Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.17g
- Carbohydrates: 21.54g
- Fiber: 3.27g
- Sugar: 4.02g
- Protein: 3.93g
- Sodium: 620.12mg
- Calcium: 39.47mg
- Potassium: 687.10mg
- Iron: 1.79mg
- Vitamin A: 171.82µg
- Vitamin C: 24.38mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Vegetarian Portobello Pot Roast
When preparing your vegetarian portobello pot roast, it's important to cut your potatoes and carrots into similar sizes. This ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are still hard. Also, remember to add the cornstarch mixture towards the end of the cooking process. Adding it too early can cause it to break down and lose its thickening power. Lastly, don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper before serving. This will help to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and the vegetable stock.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Vegetarian Recipe
Plan ahead: Prep your ingredients and tools in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multitask: While the pot roast is cooking, use the time to clean up and prepare other components of your meal.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Save time by purchasing pre-cut vegetables from the store, if available.
Invest in a slow cooker: A slow cooker can help you set and forget the pot roast, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetarian Portobello Pot Roast Recipe
Yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can provide a similar creamy texture and earthy flavor to the dish, while also adding a touch of sweetness.
Baby bella mushrooms - Substitute with shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms have a robust, meaty flavor and a firm texture, making them a great substitute for baby bella mushrooms in this recipe.
Carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor compared to carrots, and they can hold up well in the pot roast, adding a unique twist to the dish.
Frozen pearl onions - Substitute with fresh pearl onions: Fresh pearl onions can provide a more vibrant and pronounced flavor compared to frozen ones, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a subtle depth to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
Fresh thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can bring a fragrant, pine-like aroma and a slightly peppery flavor to the pot roast, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
Vegetable stock - Substitute with mushroom stock: Mushroom stock can add a rich, savory depth to the dish, enhancing the umami flavors and providing a robust base for the pot roast.
Dry red wine - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add depth and complexity to the dish, while also providing a suitable liquid base for braising the ingredients.
Tomato paste - Substitute with red bell pepper paste: Red bell pepper paste can offer a similar depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness, while also adding a vibrant color to the pot roast.
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a savory, umami-rich flavor similar to Worcestershire sauce, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can act as a thickening agent similar to cornstarch, helping to create a luscious, velvety sauce for the pot roast.
Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper - Substitute with sea salt and mixed peppercorns: Sea salt and mixed peppercorns can offer a similar seasoning profile, enhancing the flavors of the dish with their distinct textures and flavors.
Fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can provide a vibrant, herbaceous flavor and a pop of freshness to the pot roast, adding a unique twist to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Portobello Pot Roast
Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the portobello pot roast on the plate, ensuring that each component is visible and appealing. Consider using a large, elegant plate to showcase the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. The vibrant green will contrast beautifully with the rich colors of the pot roast.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers to the plate for a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note. Choose flowers that are safe for consumption and complement the flavors of the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation. Allow the natural colors and textures of the dish to shine through, enhancing its overall appeal.
Consider plate geometry: Experiment with different plate shapes and designs to enhance the visual impact of the dish. A unique plate geometry can add an artistic element to the presentation.
Add a drizzle of sauce: Use a small spoon to delicately drizzle a small amount of the flavorful sauce around the edge of the plate, creating an artistic and appetizing presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Select elegant serving platters or dishes to elevate the overall presentation. The right serving ware can enhance the perceived value of the dish.
Balance colors and textures: Pay attention to the balance of colors and textures on the plate. Aim for a harmonious combination that is visually appealing and inviting.
Highlight the star ingredient: Showcase the portobello mushrooms as the star of the dish by placing them prominently on the plate, drawing attention to their robust flavor and meaty texture.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Strive for symmetry and balance in the arrangement of the components on the plate, creating a visually pleasing and professional presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Portobello Pot Roast
- Crock pot: A slow cooker used for simmering food at low temperatures for an extended period of time.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients smooth or incorporating air into a mixture.
- Bowl: A round, deep dish or basin used for holding food or liquids.
- Knife: A tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for cooking sauces or other liquids.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and holding things.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
- Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible tool used to mix, spread, and lift ingredients.
- Vegetable peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of vegetables.
- Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves.
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which requires a longer cooking time.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Portobello Pot Roast
- Let the vegetarian portobello pot roast cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
- If you want to freeze the pot roast, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when it was frozen.
- The pot roast can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, transfer the thawed pot roast to a pot or Dutch oven and warm it over medium heat until it's heated through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help loosen up the sauce.
- If you find that the vegetables have become too soft after freezing and reheating, you can remove them and add freshly cooked potatoes, carrots, or other veggies of your choice to the reheated pot roast for a better texture.
How To Reheat Portobello Pot Roast Leftovers
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover vegetarian portobello pot roast to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help moisten the dish and prevent it from drying out. Heat the pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pot roast is heated through and the flavors have melded together once again. This method allows you to control the moisture level and ensure that the vegetables and mushrooms are heated evenly.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pot roast to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the pot roast is heated through. If you prefer a slightly crispy top on your potatoes and carrots, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a large portion of pot roast or if you prefer a more hands-off approach.
Microwave method: While not the most recommended method due to the potential for uneven heating, the microwave can be used in a pinch. Transfer individual portions of the pot roast to microwave-safe dishes, cover them with a damp paper towel, and heat on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pot roast is heated through. Be cautious not to overheat the dish, as this can cause the vegetables to become mushy and the sauce to separate.
Slow cooker method: If you have the time and want to recreate the original cooking process, transfer the leftover pot roast to your slow cooker. Add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to help maintain moisture. Set the slow cooker to low heat and allow the pot roast to reheat for 2-3 hours, or until it is heated through and the flavors have melded together once more. This method is perfect for those who want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
Interesting Trivia About Portobello Mushrooms
The portobello mushrooms in this recipe are a great source of protein and fiber, making this vegetarian pot roast a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
Is Making Portobello Pot Roast at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegetarian portobello pot roast recipe is quite cost-effective, as it primarily uses affordable and readily available ingredients such as potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. The use of vegetable stock and red wine adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be a solid 8, as it offers a hearty and satisfying meal that is both economical and delicious.
Is This Vegetarian Dish Healthy?
This vegetarian portobello pot roast recipe is a relatively healthy dish, packed with nutritious ingredients like potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. The use of vegetable stock and red wine adds depth of flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or unhealthy fats. Additionally, the recipe is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to boost its nutritional value:
- Swap the cornstarch for a whole grain alternative like whole wheat flour or arrowroot powder to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of red wine or replace it with additional vegetable stock to lower the alcohol content
- Include more variety of vegetables, such as celery, parsnips, or turnips, to enhance the nutrient profile
- Use low-sodium vegetable stock to control the overall salt content of the dish
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Serve the pot roast over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for added protein and complex carbohydrates
- Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals
- Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano to introduce more antioxidants and flavor without increasing calorie content
- Prepare a side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the hearty pot roast and provide additional nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Portobello Mushroom Recipe
This vegetarian portobello pot roast recipe is a delightful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of yukon gold potatoes, baby bella mushrooms, carrots, and pearl onions creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The addition of garlic, thyme, red wine, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish. The use of a crock pot makes it convenient and easy to prepare. The final touch of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful option for a comforting and flavorful vegetarian meal.
Enhance Your Vegetarian Portobello Pot Roast Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Vegetarian Recipes Similar to Portobello Pot Roast
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Vegetarian Portobello Pot Roast
Why trust this Vegetarian Portobello Pot Roast Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a satisfying vegetarian meal with its wholesome ingredients. The combination of Yukon Gold potatoes, baby bella mushrooms, and carrots creates a hearty and flavorful dish. The addition of pearl onions and garlic enhances the aroma and taste. The use of vegetable stock and dry red wine infuses rich flavors into the dish. The inclusion of tomato paste and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity. This recipe promises a delightful and comforting meal, perfect for any occasion.
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