Description
This creamy Vegan Stew with Dumplings is tasty, satisfying and easy to make. Ready in 30 mins, this cozy stew features fluffy dumplings.
Ingredients
Dumplings
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp coconut milk (or melted vegan butter/neutral oil)
- ⅓ – ½ cup warm water
Soup
- 1 medium sweet or yellow onion, diced
- 3 ribs celery, sliced thinly
- 3 medium carrots, sliced thinly
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white or crimini mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach or other greens
- 1 15-oz can (or 1 ½ cups) butter beans (or beans of choice)
- 4 cups vegetable broth + 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs blend
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ – ⅓ cup canned coconut milk
Instructions
1. Make the dumpling dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a spoon or spatula to make a well in the center and pour in the canned coconut milk (or melted vegan butter/oil) and warm water. Mix well until a sticky dough forms. If it won’t come together, add a bit more warm water. If it’s really sloshy and wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside.
2. Saute the veggies: Heat a large, wide pot over medium high heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and a few tablespoons of water and saute for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and saute for another minute. Add spices and stir constantly for a minute until fragrant.
3. Bring to a boil: Add mushrooms, broth, water, and beans. Bring everything to a boil.
4. Make and add the dumplings: Using a small spoon, scoop 2 – 2 ½ teaspoons of dough and push it off into the broth. Repeat with the rest of the dough, spacing dumplings slightly in the pot.
5. Simmer: Simmer the dumplings on medium high heat for about 10-12 minutes. Remove one and test for doneness.
6. Add the spinach and coconut milk: Stir in baby spinach and canned coconut milk until spinach is wilted and soup is creamy. Remove from heat and serve.
7. Store: Remove dumplings before storing the soup to keep them from hardening. Reheat by combining soup and dumplings in microwave or saucepan.
Notes
Note 1: Use unbleached all purpose flour for fluffy dumplings. For gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s.
Note 2: Baking powder creates fluffier dumplings. Baking soda or omitting leavening will make denser dumplings.
Note 3: Better Than Bouillon Roasted Vegetable Base is recommended. Taste and adjust salt/spice levels depending on broth used.
Note 4: Coconut milk adds creaminess but can be substituted with cashew cream, vegan yogurt, or thick non-dairy milk.