Hearty Vegan Dumpling Stew

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Warm, nourishing, and packed with tender vegetables and fluffy vegan dumplings, this Hearty Vegan Dumpling Stew is the ultimate cozy meal for any season. The rich, savory vegetable broth blends seamlessly with cannellini beans and aromatic herbs, while light, pillowy dumplings float on top, soaking up the stew’s flavors with every bite. This plant-based dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or a comforting lunch that feels indulgent but wholesome.

Imagine a steaming bowl filled with tender carrots, celery, mushrooms, and creamy beans, crowned with golden, soft dumplings. Each spoonful delivers a combination of textures and flavors—earthy, savory, and subtly herby. It’s a comfort food classic reinvented for a vegan lifestyle, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple steps with pantry-friendly ingredients.

• Plant-Based Comfort: Vegan-friendly but full of rich, hearty flavors.

• Fluffy Dumplings: Soft, tender dumplings that soak up the stew.

• Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vegetables, beans, and fresh herbs.

• Family-Friendly: Mild, savory flavors that appeal to kids and adults.

• Make-Ahead Option: Stew and dumplings can be prepped in advance.

Ingredient Breakdown

All-Purpose Flour & Baking Powder: Form the base of the dumplings, providing structure and a light, fluffy texture.

Vegan Butter: Adds richness and helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings.

Soy or Plant-Based Milk: Moistens the dumpling dough and ensures a soft texture.

Olive Oil: Sautéing the aromatics and vegetables in olive oil builds a flavorful foundation for the stew.

Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that infuse the broth with savory depth.

Carrots & Celery: Classic stew vegetables that provide sweetness, texture, and balance.

Mushrooms: Add an earthy, umami-rich flavor that mimics the heartiness of meat.

Tomato Paste & Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Intensify the stew’s savory profile and add depth of flavor.

Cannellini Beans: Contribute protein and creamy texture, making the stew more filling.

Vegetable Broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.

Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that elevates the flavor with subtle earthiness.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

Pro Tips

1. Keep Dumplings Lumpy: A slightly shaggy dough ensures light and fluffy dumplings.

2. Sauté Slowly: Cooking the vegetables over medium heat develops maximum flavor.

3. Don’t Overcrowd Dumplings: Leave space between dumplings in the pot to allow expansion.

4. Adjust Herbs: Add more thyme or parsley according to taste for an herb-forward stew.

5. Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling vigorously once dumplings are added to prevent them from toughening.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

• Different Beans: Use navy beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans for variety.

• Root Vegetables: Add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips for extra depth.

• Gluten-Free Dumplings: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

• Creamy Twist: Stir in coconut milk or cashew cream for a richer stew.

• Spice Variation: Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or cumin for a subtle kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping.

• Pair with a light green salad for a balanced meal.

• Top with fresh parsley or thyme for visual appeal and flavor.

• Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra richness.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

• Prepare in Advance: Dice vegetables and make dumpling dough ahead of time.

• Storage: Keep leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the stew thickens.

• Freezing: Freeze dumplings and stew separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Dumpling stews have a long history in European and North American cuisines, often as a way to stretch a meal and provide comforting nourishment during cold months. This vegan version reimagines the traditional hearty stew, replacing meat with beans and adding fresh vegetables, making it suitable for plant-based diets without compromising flavor or texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture will remain soft and tender.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender but not mushy.

Q: How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
A: Dumplings should be fluffy, firm to the touch, and cooked through, about 15 minutes after adding to the stew.

Q: Can I make this stew spicier?
A: Yes! Add chili flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne to taste.

Q: Can I prep this in advance?
A: Yes, prepare vegetables and dough ahead of time. Add dumplings fresh when ready to cook for the best texture.

Emily

Vegan Dumpling Stew

A hearty and comforting stew packed with vegetables, cannellini beans, and fluffy vegan dumplings. Perfect for cozy nights, this plant-based one-pot meal is warming, flavorful, and family-friendly.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegan

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup cold vegan butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup soy milk or plant-based milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled & diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• salt & pepper to taste
• 15 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed (1.5 cups cooked)
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth
• 1-2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork
• large pot with lid
• knife and cutting board
• wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Add flour, baking powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Whisk together.
2. Add vegan butter and cut into flour until crumbly.
3. Add soy milk and gently mix into a shaggy dough. Cover and refrigerate.
4. Prep vegetables: dice carrots, celery, slice mushrooms, and mince garlic.
5. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook 8-10 minutes until softened and browned.
7. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes.
8. Add broth and beans. Stir and bring to a simmer.
9. Form chilled dough into 9-10 balls. Add to simmering stew, spaced apart. Cover and cook 10 minutes.
10. Spoon stew liquid over dumplings, add thyme, and cook uncovered 5 more minutes.
11. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or tamari. You can substitute cannellini beans with chickpeas or navy beans. Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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