Dairy-Free Milk: Adds silky smoothness and subtle nutty essence, almond milk works beautifully for light creaminess.
For Seasoning and Thickening:
White Beans: Offers protein-packed creaminess and subtle nutty flavor, rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium.
Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Introduces Mediterranean herbaceous notes, use fresh if available for more vibrant taste.
Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers, freshly ground pepper provides more intense profile.
Cornstarch: Creates luxurious, velvety texture without gluten, sifting prevents clumping.
Tamari, Dijon Mustard: Adds umami depth and bright, tangy undertones, opt for high-quality versions.
For Garnish:
Fresh Parsley: Brings fresh, verdant finish and visual appeal, chop just before serving to maintain brightness.
Equipment for Mushroom and White Bean Stew
Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the entire stew.
Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, potatoes, and slicing mushrooms safely.
Chef's Knife: Sharp and reliable tool for precise ingredient preparation.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding accurate amounts of herbs, salt, and pepper.
Measuring Cup: Useful for pouring precise amounts of vegetable broth and dairy-free milk.
How to Make Earthy Mushroom and White Bean Stew
Butter Melting Moment Warm up a large pot and let vegan butter transform into liquid gold, coating the bottom with silky smoothness.
Onion Magic Toss chopped onions into the pot, dancing them around until they become soft and see-through, releasing their sweet aroma.
Mushroom Symphony Add sliced mushrooms with a whisper of herbs, letting them caramelize into golden-brown perfection while releasing their earthy essence.
Flavor Boosters Sprinkle in garlic and a touch of cornstarch, creating a magical coating that will help thicken the stew's delicious base.
Liquid Alchemy Pour in vegetable broth and tender potato chunks, bringing everything to a gentle bubble that simmers with promise.
Bean and Milk Finale Tumble white beans into the pot and splash in dairy-free milk, letting the stew reach a creamy consistency that hugs your soul.
Final Touch Shower each serving with fresh parsley and a playful sprinkle of black pepper, transforming a simple stew into a comforting masterpiece.
Cooking Tips for Mushroom and White Bean Stew
Swap out traditional vegan butter for olive oil or coconut oil to create different flavor profiles and keep the recipe versatile.
Experiment with mixed wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or cremini to enhance the earthy depth and add complex textures to your stew.
Replace dried herbs with fresh thyme and rosemary from your garden for brighter, more vibrant flavor notes that elevate the entire dish.
Consider adding crumbled tempeh or plant-based sausage crumbles to increase protein content and provide additional hearty elements to the stew.
During summer, lighten the stew by reducing broth slightly and adding fresh summer vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a more colorful and lighter meal.
Serving Earthy Mushroom Stew Comfortably
Cozy Comfort Companions: Serve this hearty stew with crusty sourdough bread for dipping into the rich, savory broth. The bread absorbs all those delicious mushroom flavors perfectly.
Wholesome Grain Partner: Pair the stew with fluffy quinoa or brown rice to create a complete protein-packed meal that feels satisfying and nourishing. Each spoonful becomes more delightful when mixed with these grains.
Fresh Green Accent: Top the stew with a small side salad dressed in light vinaigrette to add brightness and crisp texture. Arugula or mixed greens work wonderfully to balance the stew's deep, earthy tones. The fresh greens cut through the richness and provide a lovely contrast.
Warming Beverage Match: Complement the stew with a glass of robust red wine or herbal tea. These drinks enhance the mushroom's deep flavors and create a wonderfully warming dining experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Storing Mushroom and White Bean Stew Leftovers
Smart Storage Solutions: Place leftover stew in airtight glass containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the stew completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Freezer-Friendly Technique: Portion out individual servings in freezer-safe containers, allowing the stew to last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency.
Reheating Magic: Warm the stew over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent burning at the bottom of the pot.
Batch Cooking Brilliance: Double the recipe and store extra portions for quick weeknight meals. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and enjoy convenient, homemade comfort food whenever hunger strikes.
Hearty earthy mushroom and white bean stew delivers comforting Mediterranean flavors with rustic charm. Savory herbs and rich vegetables create a nourishing meal that connects home cooks with traditional culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) mixed mushrooms (shiitake and cremini), sliced
1 lb (454 g) baby potatoes, cubed
2 cans (15 oz/425 g each) white beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed
3 cups (710 ml) vegetable broth
2 cups (470 ml) dairy-free milk (almond)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
3 tbsps vegan butter
2 tbsps cornstarch
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsps tamari or soy sauce
¾ tsp dried thyme
¾ tsp dried rosemary
¾ tsp sea salt
¾ tsp black pepper
fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté Foundation: Melt vegan butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, then add onions and cook until translucent and softened.
Flavor Layering: Introduce sliced mushrooms with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, caramelizing until mushrooms turn golden-brown and release their rich, earthy essence.
Aromatic Enhancement: Stir in minced garlic and cornstarch, creating a light coating that will help thicken the stew while building depth of flavor.
Liquid Integration: Pour in tamari sauce and Dijon mustard, then add vegetable broth and diced potatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
Simmering and Transformation: Cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and the stew to develop a rich, cohesive flavor profile.
Final Touches: Incorporate white beans and dairy-free milk, continuing to simmer until the stew reaches a creamy, luxurious consistency.
Presentation: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper, creating a visually appealing and flavor-enhanced dish.
Notes
Thickening Technique: Cornstarch coating ensures a velvety smooth texture without lumps, helping the stew reach a perfectly creamy consistency.
Mushroom Caramelization: Sautéing mushrooms until golden-brown develops deep, rich umami flavors that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
Herb Selection: Fresh thyme and rosemary provide aromatic depth, complementing the earthy mushroom and creating a complex flavor experience.
Simmering Secrets: Gentle, consistent simmering allows potatoes to tenderize evenly while preventing overcooking and maintaining ideal stew texture.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.