Easy Vegan Beef Stew with Potatoes and Peas makes a hearty and delicious plant-based meal. With jackfruit as the 'beef' this stew is reminiscent of traditional beef stew. It's also completely gluten and oil-free!
Okay so you probably figured out that there isn't real beef in this stew. But I'm still calling it vegan beef stew. Why? It's got an amazing flavor like it was cooked with beef AND the texture to match.
What's the secret?
There are two:
First. Jackfruit. Jackfruit has a texture very similar to pulled pork or like tender beef that has been stewed all day.
Second. Flavor science. A clever mixture of vegetable stock, red wine, onions and garlic, and the super secret ingredient: cloves
I know you want to try this stew. Let's make it!
Step 1. In a large pot, sauté the onion for 3-5 minutes, using a splash of the vegetable broth if necessary to prevent burning.
Step 2. Add the flour, rosemary, mushroom powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
The idea here is to lightly toast the spices and help meld the flavors together.
Step 3. Pour in the vinegar and wine and loosen any bits of onion stuck to the pan. Allow the alcohol to cook off for 30 seconds.
Step 4. Add the vegetable broth, jackfruit, carrots, potatoes, garlic, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and let cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Test the tenderness with a fork - if you can easily pierce through the potatoes and carrots, the stew is ready.
Step 5. Find the two bay leaves and carefully pick them out.
If you can't find them, don't worry. Just remember when you eat that you need to watch out for the leaves.
Step 6. Serve with a baguette or your favorite bread. Enjoy!
I know some people like there stews pretty thick. And, I'll have you know, this stew is already pretty thick. But I have a few tricks to help you if you want a thick vegan stew.
Flour is super absorbent and will help soak up some of the liquid. Another 1/4 to 1/2 cup will thicken the stew nicely. Add the extra flour after you cook the onion and spices, as directed in the instructions.
It stands to reason that using less liquid will help you create a thicker stew. If you know you want your stew super thick, I recommend decreasing the amount of veggie broth from 4 cups to 3 cups. Any less and you won't be able to cook the vegetables.
This isn't the most glamorous solution, but cornstarch will help thicken up your liquid. This is a good option for after you cook the stew. If you realize it's too thin for you, some cornstarch and a few more minutes on the heat will work wonders.
Okay so this won't actually create a thicker stew, but a nice piece of bread will help sop up the liquid you have leftover. And it's delicious!
Thank you God for this stew. Thank you for the family and friend with whom we get to enjoy it.
Want more vegan soups and stews? I've got you! Try these tasty recipes next:
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Easy Vegan Beef Stew with Potatoes and Peas makes a hearty and delicious plant-based meal. With jackfruit as the 'beef' this stew is reminiscent of traditional beef stew. It's also completely gluten and oil-free!
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