Description

This Irresistible Mushroom Stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for cozy nights in. Packed with a savory blend of mushrooms, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it simmers slowly to allow deep flavors to develop. Enhanced with a touch of red wine and cacao powder, this stew offers a rich, umami taste that pairs wonderfully with brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
1 unit Yellow Onion (diced)
5.5 cups Mushrooms (your choice)
4 units Carrots (chopped)
3 stalks Celery (chopped)
0.5 to 1 cup Pearl Onions
7 cups Baby Potatoes (sliced in halves)

Legumes

1 can Canned Lentils (drained and rinsed)

Liquids & Seasonings

0.25 cups Tamari or Coconut Aminos
1 tablespoon Rosemary (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon Thyme (finely chopped)
3 units Bay Leaves
2 cans Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz each)
1.5 cups Vegetable Broth
0.5 cups Red Cooking Wine
2 tablespoons Cacao Powder
Oil for sautéing (amount approx. 2 tablespoons)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Crush the garlic cloves and dice the yellow onion. Chop the carrots, celery, and finely chop rosemary and thyme. Slice baby potatoes in halves and rinse the canned lentils thoroughly.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil over high heat. Add crushed garlic, diced onion, chopped mushrooms, and tamari. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms tender.
Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, baby potatoes, rinsed lentils, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, pearl onions, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and red cooking wine. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
Add Cacao Powder: Sprinkle the cacao powder over the mixture and stir well to evenly distribute it, enhancing the stew’s depth of flavor.
Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot and reduce heat to let the stew simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until all vegetables become fork-tender and flavors meld perfectly.
Serve: Ladle the hot mushroom stew into bowls and serve over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa for a filling, nutritious meal.

Notes

You can use any variety of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms for different flavor profiles.
Pearl onions add a mild sweetness but can be omitted if unavailable.
Substitute red cooking wine with extra vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
For added protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or beans along with lentils.
Adjust the amount of cacao powder based on preference; it adds a subtle bitterness that enhances umami.
This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.