This vegan stew with beefless chunks is a wonderful comfort food, perfect for cold winter days. This hearty and healthy recipe packs in plenty of vegetables and uses a beef style seitan, a vegan protein substitute, to mimic the texture and heartiness of traditional beef stew. The result is a flavorful, nutrient-dense dish that is sure to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike.
Seitan is a popular vegan protein source made of gluten. It's often used as a meat substitute due to its texture and ability to absorb flavors well. In this recipe, we use 'beef style seitan', which is seitan prepared with flavors mimicking that of beef. It's usually found in the refrigerated section of health food stores or larger supermarkets. If you can't find it, you could substitute it with other plant-based meat alternatives.
Ingredients for Vegan Stew with Beefless Chunks
Water: The base of the stew, providing a medium for the flavors to meld together.
Vegan 'beef' soup flavoring: This helps to give the broth a hearty, meaty flavor.
Carrots: Adds sweetness, color, and nutrients to the stew.
Celery: Provides a slight crunch and aromatic flavor.
Potatoes: Potatoes make the stew more filling and add a comforting starchy component.
Onion: Onions add a depth of flavor to the stew.
Peas: These add color, texture, and a hint of sweetness.
Corn: Corn adds sweetness and a pop of texture.
Dried summer savory: This herb adds a subtle, peppery flavor.
Dried parsley: Used for its fresh and slightly bitter flavor.
Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the stew.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cornstarch: This thickens the stew to give it a heartier texture.
Beef style seitan: This is the 'beefless' component of the stew, providing plant-based protein.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the seitan to bring out its flavor.
One reader, Alejandrina Hebert says:
This vegan stew with beefless chunks recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and hearty, and the beefless chunks add a satisfying texture. It's a comforting and nourishing dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and cruelty-free meal.
How To Make Vegan Beefless Stew
This stew recipe is every vegan’s dream. Instead of beef, it uses seitan and cooks it with a mix of tender vegetables and tastefully herbed broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4½cupswater
- 1½tbspvegan “beef” soup flavoring
- 4large carrots,diced large
- 4large celery stalks,diced large
- 3large potatoes,peeled and cubed
- 1large onion,chopped
- 1cuppeas
- 1cupcorn
- 1tspdried summer savory
- 1tspdried parsley
- ½tspground black pepper
- salt,to taste
- 2tspcornstarch
- 2tspwater
- 8ozbeef style seitan,(1 package), such as Gardein®, cubed
- 1tbspolive oil,or as needed
Instructions
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Mix the water and “beef” soup flavoring in a large pot over high heat. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, peas, and corn. Add summer savory, parsley, and black pepper and mix together well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Add to the pot and mix to combine. Bring to a boil for about 5 minutes.
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Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for at least 1 hour.
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Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seitan pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned.
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Pour stew into bowls and add a few pieces of seitan to each. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 223.70kcal
- Fat: 3.08g
- Saturated Fat: 0.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.51g
- Carbohydrates: 38.57g
- Fiber: 6.70g
- Sugar: 6.82g
- Protein: 12.11g
- Sodium: 996.92mg
- Calcium: 66.83mg
- Potassium: 910.17mg
- Iron: 2.26mg
- Vitamin A: 316.71µg
- Vitamin C: 40.41mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Vegan Stew with Beefless Chunks
When browning the seitan, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan. This could cause the seitan to steam rather than brown, which can affect the texture and flavor. If necessary, cook the seitan in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice, crispy exterior. This will add an extra layer of texture and flavor to your vegan stew.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vegan Beefless Stew
Prep ahead: Chop and store vegetables in the fridge the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonders: Choose recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of stew and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
Instant Pot magic: Utilize a pressure cooker to significantly reduce cooking time for stews and soups.
Pre-cut ingredients: Purchase pre-cut vegetables or use a food processor to save time on chopping and preparation.
Presenting Your Vegan Beefless Stew
Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the stew and seitan in a shallow bowl, ensuring that each ingredient is visible and appealing to the eye.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few sprigs of fresh parsley or thyme over the stew to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crispy element, such as a delicate potato crisp or crispy kale, to contrast the tender stew and seitan.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the stew in elegant, porcelain bowls or earthenware dishes to enhance the dining experience.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, lightly drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the stew for a luxurious finish.
Serve with artisan bread: Accompany the stew with freshly baked sourdough bread or rustic baguette to complement the flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast.
Consider a side salad: A small side salad of mixed greens or arugula dressed with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing element to the dish.
Present with a wine pairing: Offer a carefully selected red wine or full-bodied white wine to elevate the dining experience and complement the flavors of the stew.
Essential Tools for Making Vegan Stew
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Large pot: Used for cooking the stew and simmering the ingredients.
- Skillet: Used for browning the beefless chunks.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing the cornstarch and water to thicken the stew.
- Wooden spoon: Used for stirring and mixing the stew while it cooks.
Storing and Freezing Your Vegan Beefless Stew
Allow the vegan stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature.
If you plan to freeze the stew, consider the following steps:
- Divide the cooled stew into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This allows you to thaw only what you need for future meals.
- Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing.
- Vegan stew with beefless chunks can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen stew, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw the stew in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Once thawed, reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. If the stew appears too thick, add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Avoid refreezing previously frozen stew, as this can affect its texture and quality. Only freeze and thaw the stew once for the best results.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegan Stew with Beefless Chunks
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover vegan stew to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the vegetables and seitan are evenly heated without becoming mushy or overcooked.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover stew in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat the stew in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the stew, as this can cause the vegetables to become mushy and the seitan to become tough.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover vegan stew to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the stew is heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover stew and want to reheat it all at once.
Slow cooker method: if you have a slow cooker or a crockpot, you can use it to reheat your leftover vegan stew. Simply transfer the stew to the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it warm up for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is perfect for those who want to reheat their stew without having to monitor it closely.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the stew occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching. If the stew appears too thick after reheating, you can add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to thin it out and restore its original consistency.
Interesting Fact About Vegan Stew with Beefless Chunks
The vegan stew with beefless chunks recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that provides a great source of plant-based protein. It's a delicious and satisfying option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. This stew is packed with a variety of vegetables, providing essential nutrients and fiber. Additionally, the use of seitan as a meat substitute adds a meaty texture and savory flavor to the dish. It's a perfect meal for vegans and non-vegans alike, showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based cooking.
Is Making Vegan Stew with Beefless Chunks Cost-Effective?
This vegan stew with beefless chunks recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, peas, and corn, are budget-friendly and readily available. The use of beef-style seitan provides a meaty texture without the high cost of actual meat. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, as it offers a hearty and flavorful meal at an affordable price.
Editor's Opinion on This Vegan Stew Recipe
The vegan stew with beefless chunks recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients. The combination of savory seitan, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying and comforting stew. The cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and wholesome meal. The addition of the beef-style seitan adds a meaty texture and depth to the dish, making it a delightful option for both vegans and meat-eaters alike. This recipe is a wonderful example of how plant-based cooking can be delicious, nourishing, and satisfying.
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Why trust this Vegan Beefless Stew Recipe:
This recipe offers a hearty and flavorful vegan stew that is packed with wholesome vegetables and savory beefless chunks. The combination of carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions creates a rich and satisfying base, while the addition of peas and corn adds a delightful sweetness. The use of summer savory and parsley infuses the stew with aromatic depth, and the beef style seitan provides a satisfying and protein-rich element. This recipe promises a comforting and nourishing meal that will surely impress vegans and non-vegans alike.
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