Vegetable Vegan Dumpling Stew

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Vegan Dumpling Stew to warm you up on a cold evening. This hearty dish combines tender dumplings with a rich, savory vegetable broth loaded with nutritious beans and aromatic herbs. The dumplings soak up all the delicious flavors, creating a dish that is both satisfying and comforting. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, this stew is a nourishing, plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize swap in your favorite beans or add extra veggies for a unique twist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, this vegan dumpling stew is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup cold vegan butter, cubed
  • ⅓ cup soy milk (or any other plant-based milk)
For the Stew:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ large onion, finely diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled & diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 15-ounce can cannellini beans, strained & rinsed
  • 2.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
    • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
    • Cut in the cold vegan butter using a pastry cutter or fork until a crumbly dough forms.
    • Pour in the soy milk and mix until a shaggy dough forms (it should be lumpy but not have dry spots).
    • Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Make the Stew:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the carrots, celery, and mushrooms, cooking for another 8-10 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
    • Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cannellini beans. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Cook the Dumplings:
    • Remove the dough from the fridge and form it into 9-10 small balls.
    • Drop the dumplings into the simmering stew, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
    • Cover the pot and let them cook for 10 minutes.
    • Remove the lid, ladle some broth over the dumplings, and stir in fresh thyme.
    • Cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked.
    • Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 406 kcal | Servings: 4

What Makes This Vegan Dumpling Stew Special?

1. A Plant-Based Twist on a Classic Dish

Traditional dumpling stew often includes meat-based broths, dairy, and sometimes eggs in the dumplings. However, this vegan version proves that you don’t need animal products to create a rich and comforting meal. Instead, a flavorful vegetable broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices forms the base, while the dumplings are made with plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.

2. Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

This dish brings together multiple textures in the best way possible. The soft, pillowy dumplings contrast beautifully with the hearty bite of cannellini beans and tender vegetables. Every spoonful is packed with comforting warmth, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.

3. Nutrient-Dense and Filling

One of the standout features of this stew is its nutritional profile. Cannellini beans provide an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, while mushrooms, carrots, and celery contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike some stews that can feel too heavy, this vegan version offers a balanced, nourishing meal without being overly rich.

4. Easy to Make and Customize

This recipe is great for both beginner and experienced cooks because it follows a straightforward cooking process. Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile swap out different beans, add your favorite vegetables, or experiment with various herbs and spices to tailor the dish to your preferences.

The Role of Dumplings in the Stew

Dumplings are the highlight of this dish, offering a soft, bread-like texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors of the stew. These vegan dumplings are made using a simple combination of flour, baking powder, parsley, salt, pepper, plant-based butter, and non-dairy milk. The key to achieving the perfect texture is ensuring that the butter is cold and the dough remains slightly rough rather than over-mixed.

When dropped into the simmering stew, the dumplings cook through by steaming, becoming fluffy on the inside while slightly firm on the outside. To ensure even cooking, it’s recommended to spoon some broth over them as they simmer. This allows them to absorb even more flavor, enhancing their overall taste.

For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, different herbs can be incorporated into the dumplings for added flavor fresh chives, rosemary, or thyme can be excellent additions. If you prefer a heartier texture, whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour.

Why Cannellini Beans?

Cannellini beans are a staple ingredient in this stew because of their mild flavor and creamy texture. They add an excellent source of protein and fiber, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious. If you don’t have cannellini beans on hand, you can easily substitute them with other types of white beans, such as great northern beans or butter beans.

Additionally, beans provide essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining overall health. Their subtle taste allows them to absorb the rich flavors of the broth, making them a perfect fit for this stew.

The Importance of Herbs and Seasonings

Herbs and seasonings play a crucial role in elevating the flavors of this stew. Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the hearty vegetables and broth. If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme can be used in a slightly smaller quantity.

Vegan Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the stew, replicating the rich, savory notes that are typically achieved with meat-based broths. If you don’t have vegan Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or tamari can be used as excellent substitutes.

Tomato paste is another key ingredient, contributing to the stew’s rich base. It enhances the broth’s body and provides a slight tanginess that balances the flavors. Adding it to the vegetables before the liquid ingredients allows it to caramelize slightly, deepening the overall taste.

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Dumpling Stew

This stew is a fantastic option for meal prepping since it stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Here are some best practices for storing and reheating:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to prevent overcooking the dumplings.
  • Freezing: The stew (without dumplings) can be frozen for up to 1 month. However, freezing the dumplings is not recommended, as they can become too dense when thawed. If you plan to freeze portions, make the dumplings fresh when you reheat the stew.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

1. Make It Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version of this stew, simply swap the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many gluten-free flour mixes work well in recipes like this, ensuring that the dumplings remain soft and fluffy.

2. Add More Protein

For those looking to boost the protein content, adding lentils or chickpeas can be a great way to enhance the stew’s nutritional value. You can also toss in some crumbled tofu for extra texture and plant-based protein.

3. Pair with Side Dishes

While this stew is satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. A drizzle of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top can add extra depth to the flavors.

Conclusion:

This Vegan Dumpling Stew is the ultimate plant-based comfort food, offering warmth, flavor, and nourishment in every bite. The soft, fluffy dumplings complement the rich, hearty vegetable and bean stew, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in, meal prepping for the week, or sharing it with loved ones, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Best of all, it’s highly customizable switch up the vegetables, play around with different herbs, or add extra protein to make it your own. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this vegan stew proves that plant-based cooking can be both effortless and delicious.