Hearty Vegetable Stew

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!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 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 tomatoes, 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.