Hearty Vegetable Stew

Whisper's Note:

This is a thick, hearty, and delicious stew from Lean and Luscious and Meatless. Just add a salad and some bread and your meal is complete!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups sliced onions
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup carrot, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
• 1 cup celery, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
• 4 cups mushrooms, cut into quarters
• 3 medium potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 (1 lb) can tomato, undrained, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups cooked kidney beans (12 ounces)
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup red wine

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
3. Cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add small amounts of water, if necessary, to prevent sticking.
5. Add remaining ingredients, except flour, 1/4 cup water, and wine.
6. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
7. Stir occasionally while cooking.
8. In a small bowl, gradually stir flour into 1/4 cup water until smooth.
9. Add to stew, along with wine.
10. Cook, stirring, 5 more minutes.
11. Remove and discard bay leaf before serving.

Reviews

[Mark9199]

This was great for being all vegetable. Very thick and stew-like with a great taste. I will definitely be making this one again.

[Lurius]

I loved this recipe! I dident put any mushrooms though, not a fan of them. I also have used some leek in addition to the onions and it turns out great. Like many vegetable stews, it is easy to add and omit different items according to season, taste, availability. I have also tried adding corn which is good as well. Definantly a customizable stew!

[helloword123123]

Honestly, this recipe has some problems. While it's good as is, I think its flavor is a little one dimensional. The thyme seems to overwhelm the dish, and the spices definitely need a little finesse. The bay is just a background note, as it should be, but other spices should be added. The addition of the mushrooms at the beginning of the saute is a bad idea; they release too much moisture and the aromatics tend to boil or steam instead of truly saute. The choice oc mushrooms is worth considering. Shitakes might add more complex flavor. The kidney beans are a bad choice, as they are gritty or mushy, or squeaky. Another bean %u2014 not least for the visual effect of a lighter color %u2014 should be added in exchange for the kidney beans. Last, I'm just not a fan of big pot dishes you can't freeze. The potatoes thawed and reheated are awful.