There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Vegan Stew and Dumplings to warm you up on a chilly evening. This plant-based take on the classic British dish is packed with earthy mushrooms, hearty potatoes, and sweet carrots, all simmered in a rich and flavorful ale-infused broth. The fluffy dumplings, infused with chives and vegan cheese, steam perfectly on top, adding a comforting and delicious touch. Not only is this stew incredibly satisfying, but it’s also simple to make in just one pot! It’s the perfect cozy meal for winter nights, meal prep, or even a casual weekend dinner. Plus, it’s totally customizable swap out the mushrooms for beans, add extra root veggies, or adjust the herbs to suit your taste. However you make it, one thing is certain: this dish will bring comfort to your table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the stew:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 500g chestnut mushrooms, chopped into chunks
- 350g carrots, peeled and chopped (~ 3 carrots)
- 400g potatoes, peeled and chopped (~ 2 potatoes)
- 350g savoy cabbage, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 500ml vegan ale
- 2 tbsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 tbsp cornflour, mixed with 2-3 tbsp water to make a paste
For the dumplings:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 2 tbsp chives, chopped
- ½ cup grated vegan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup oat milk, unsweetened
- ½ tsp salt
Directions:
- Prepare the dumplings: Sieve the flour into a large bowl, then mix in the remaining dumpling ingredients. Set aside.
- Start the stew: In a large pot, heat a splash of vegetable oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the potatoes, mushrooms, and thyme. Sauté for 5 minutes until the mushrooms start to release water.
- Stir in the tomato paste and carrots. Mix well.
- Pour in the ale and vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer, then add the cabbage. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cornflour mixture to thicken the gravy.
- Add the dumplings: Carefully spoon the batter onto the top of the stew, forming 8 dumplings (7 around the edge, 1 in the middle).
- Cover and let the dumplings steam for 10 minutes.
- Remove the thyme sprigs, serve hot, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 526 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Stew and Dumplings
- Easy and One-Pot – Minimal cleanup and fuss-free preparation make this an excellent option for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Nutrient-Dense – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, this stew provides essential nutrients to keep you full and energized.
- Comfort Food at Its Best – The combination of a rich, hearty stew and fluffy dumplings makes this the ultimate cozy meal.
- Completely Vegan & Dairy-Free – A great option for plant-based eaters or those looking to cut down on animal products.
- Highly Customizable – Swap out vegetables, try different herbs, or use beans instead of mushrooms to suit your personal preferences.
The Origins of Stew and Dumplings
Stew and dumplings have been a staple in British and Irish cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, beef or lamb stew was slow-cooked with root vegetables and served with dumplings made from suet (a type of animal fat). However, plant-based versions have gained popularity, replacing meat with mushrooms, legumes, or plant-based protein sources while keeping the rich, savory flavors intact.
The use of ale in stew is another classic British and Irish tradition, as it adds depth and a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness of the vegetables. In this vegan version, you can either use a vegan ale or replace it with additional vegetable stock for a more neutral flavor.
Dumplings in stew were originally designed to bulk up meals and provide extra sustenance, especially in cold weather. Traditional dumplings were made with flour, fat, and water, but this recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating nutritional yeast and chives for extra flavor and a cheesy undertone.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Stew and Dumplings
✔ Use the Right Pot – A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe, as it helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning.
✔ Don’t Skip the Thickener – The cornflour (or cornstarch) slurry is crucial for achieving a thick, luscious gravy. If your stew is too thin, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes before adding more thickener.
✔ Let the Dumplings Steam Properly – The dumplings cook by steaming on top of the stew. Make sure they are evenly spaced and that the lid is kept on while they cook to trap the steam and help them rise.
✔ Customize Your Veggies – While this recipe uses potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage, you can easily swap in other vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or kale for variation.
✔ Add More Protein – If you want an extra protein boost, add chickpeas, lentils, butter beans, or tofu to the stew.
✔ Use Unsweetened Plant-Based Milk – The dumplings require oat milk (or another plant-based milk) to create a soft and fluffy texture. Be sure to use an unsweetened variety to avoid an unwanted sweetness in the dish.
✔ Make it Ahead – The stew can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. However, it’s best to make the dumplings fresh, as they can lose their texture when reheated.
✔ Freezing Tips – While the stew itself freezes well for up to three months, mushrooms tend to become leathery when frozen. If planning to freeze, consider replacing the mushrooms with beans or extra root vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
While this stew is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate it further with these delicious side options:
🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich gravy. Try sourdough or whole grain bread.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – If you’re a fan of extra carb-loaded goodness, serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
🥬 Steamed Greens – Add a pop of color and extra nutrients by serving the stew with steamed kale, spinach, or broccoli.
🌱 Fresh Herbs – Garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme enhances the flavors of the dish.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Season
While stews are often associated with winter, this vegan stew with dumplings can be enjoyed all year round:
❄ Winter – It’s the ultimate warming comfort food for chilly evenings.
🌸 Spring – Swap out the cabbage for lighter greens like kale for a fresher take.
☀ Summer – Serve it with a side of salad and crusty bread for a balanced summer meal.
🍂 Autumn – Add seasonal vegetables like butternut squash to complement the cozy flavors.
5. Can I make this oil-free?
Yes! You can sauté the onions and garlic in vegetable broth instead of oil, and replace the rapeseed oil in the dumplings with extra oat milk.
Conclusion:
This Vegan Stew and Dumplings recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its rich, hearty flavors and fluffy dumplings, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this one-pot wonder will not disappoint.
Not only is it plant-based and packed with nutrients, but it’s also an incredibly versatile recipe that you can adapt to suit your tastes. Give it a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite among vegan and non-vegan food lovers alike!