Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stew with Farro and Kale is a comforting dish that combines hearty ingredients into a satisfying stovetop stew. As the vegetables cook down, the mushrooms release their moisture, creating a rich broth. I typically prepare this stew on weeknights for a nourishing family dinner, especially when the weather turns cooler.
Why This Mushroom Stew Works
This recipe effectively harnesses the natural umami of mushrooms and pairs it with creamy cashew milk, making the stew feel rich and indulgent without dairy. During cooking, the sautéed vegetables soften and meld into a luscious texture, while the addition of farro adds substance. The overall result is a warming, hearty dish that invites you to slow down and savor each bite.
What Goes In
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours & drained
- 1 tablespoon light miso
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 4 cups vegetable stock (divided)
- 2 cups cooked farro
- 2 cups chopped kale, packed
This selection of ingredients creates a complex flavor base while keeping the dish vegan and full of nutrients.
Step-by-Step
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the pot is hot, pour in the olive oil and swirl it around.
- Add the onions and stir. Sauté the onions until translucent and very soft, about 5 minutes. If they begin to brown on the edges, just lower the heat.
- Add the rosemary and garlic to the pot and stir until very fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Introduce all of the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Give them a quick stir and then let them sit for a full minute without stirring. After the minute is up, stir them again and let them sit for another minute.
- Stir again and season the mushrooms with pepper. Allow them to sit for another minute; when they start glistening, season with salt. Continue stirring and sautéing the mushrooms until they are tender, around 3 additional minutes.
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir. Let some of the strong vinegar aroma evaporate a bit; the mushrooms should appear juicy now.
- Remove about one-third of the sautéed mushroom mixture and place it in an upright blender. To the blender, add the drained cashews, miso, nutritional yeast, and 2 cups of the vegetable stock. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Pour the remaining vegetable stock into the pot with the sautéed mushrooms. Add the cooked farro as well.
- Pour the blended mushroom and cashew cream back into the pot, then stir to combine. Bring the stew to a boil and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
- Add the chopped kale to the pot and stir. Continue simmering until the kale is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Check the stew for seasoning; adjust with more salt, balsamic vinegar, or pepper as necessary. Serve the stew hot.
The method here allows the ingredients to transform significantly, creating a stew that is both creamy and nourishing.
Quick Nutrition Info
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
The nutritional balance in this dish is ideal for a filling meal that supports a plant-based lifestyle.
What to Serve With It
- Pair with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping.
- Top with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added brightness.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad to lighten the meal.
- Cook and serve a side of roasted vegetables to bring more variety to your plate.
- For a heartier meal, add a side of quinoa or rice.
These options enhance the meal and allow for plenty of satisfying combinations.
Storage and Reheat
- Store leftover stew in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s in an airtight container.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally; it can thicken upon standing, so add a splash of vegetable stock if needed.
- Expect that the flavors will continue to develop overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable.
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delightful stew throughout the week.
What to Do With Leftovers
- Use leftovers to make a hearty grain bowl by adding cooked grains and fresh veggies.
- Mix into a baked pasta dish for a flavorful casserole.
- Reheat as a filling for homemade burritos along with some avocado.
These ideas lend versatility to your remaining stew while keeping preparation simple.
Conclusion
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stew with Farro and Kale is a dish that finds its way into my kitchen regularly when I need a nutritious and filling option. Its rich, comforting flavors, combined with easy preparation, make it a go-to recipe, particularly as the weather cools down. This vegan stew showcases how simple ingredients can create something truly nourishing and delicious.
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Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stew with Farro and Kale
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A comforting stovetop stew made with mushrooms, cashew cream, farro, and kale, perfect for nourishing family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours & drained
- 1 tablespoon light miso
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 4 cups vegetable stock (divided)
- 2 cups cooked farro
- 2 cups chopped kale, packed
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the pot is hot, pour in the olive oil and swirl it around.
- Add the onions and stir. Sauté the onions until translucent and very soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rosemary and garlic to the pot and stir until very fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Introduce all of the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Give them a quick stir and then let them sit for a full minute without stirring.
- Stir again and season the mushrooms with pepper. Allow them to sit for another minute; when they start glistening, season with salt.
- Continue stirring and sautéing the mushrooms until they are tender, around 3 additional minutes.
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir. Let some of the strong vinegar aroma evaporate a bit.
- Remove about one-third of the sautéed mushroom mixture and place it in an upright blender. To the blender, add the drained cashews, miso, nutritional yeast, and 2 cups of the vegetable stock. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
- Pour the remaining vegetable stock into the pot with the sautéed mushrooms. Add the cooked farro as well.
- Pour the blended mushroom and cashew cream back into the pot, then stir to combine.
- Bring the stew to a boil and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped kale to the pot and stir. Continue simmering until the kale is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Check the stew for seasoning; adjust with more salt, balsamic vinegar, or pepper as necessary.
- Serve the stew hot.
Notes
Serve with crusty whole-grain bread and fresh herbs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg