Vegan Dumpling Stew Recipe
If there’s one dish that feels like getting a big cozy hug in a bowl, it’s Vegan Dumpling Stew. Bursting with tender veggies, pillowy dumplings, and a deeply flavorful broth, this comforting classic is totally plant-based—proving that you never have to sacrifice comfort for kindness. Whether you need something heartwarming on a chilly night or want to impress friends with your kitchen skills, Vegan Dumpling Stew comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, delivering soul-satisfying results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Vegan Dumpling Stew plays a key role, providing either structure to those dreamy dumplings or adding layers of flavor and texture to the aromatic stew. Here’s everything you’ll need—and a little secret on why each belongs in the pot.
- All-purpose flour: The base for fluffy dumplings that soak up the delicious broth without getting soggy.
- Baking powder: This is your secret to ensuring the dumplings rise to a soft, pillowy perfection.
- Dried parsley: Adds herbaceous notes in both the stew and dumplings for extra freshness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both dumplings and broth.
- Ground black pepper: Lends a subtle warmth and completeness to every bite.
- Cold vegan butter (cubed): Gives the dumplings rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Soy milk (or any plant-based milk): Brings moisture for the dough and a touch of creaminess.
- Olive oil: Sautéing the veggies in oil helps them caramelize, releasing maximum flavor.
- Onion (finely diced): The foundation for a deeply savory, aromatic stew base.
- Garlic (minced): Because just a hint of garlic makes everything in this dish taste so much richer!
- Carrots (peeled & diced): Provide natural sweetness and lovely color.
- Celery (diced): For a classic, balanced stew flavor and subtle crunch.
- Mushrooms (thinly sliced): Add savory umami depth—you won’t miss the meat!
- Tomato paste: Gives the broth a concentrated, rich backdrop and a hint of tang.
- Vegan Worcestershire sauce: For layers of dimension, a touch of sweetness, and subtle smokiness.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Season to your personal preference for the perfect balance.
- Cannellini beans (strained & rinsed): Provide creamy protein and make the stew hearty.
- Vegetable broth: A flavorful base that ties everything together.
- Fresh thyme (leaves only): Adds crisp, herbal notes to finish the stew and brighten the whole dish.
How to Make Vegan Dumpling Stew
Step 1: Make the Dumpling Dough
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This dry mix ensures your dumplings are well-seasoned and have that herby goodness throughout, right from the start.
Step 2: Cut in the Vegan Butter
Add your cold, cubed vegan butter right into the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until you get a crumbly, slightly sandy texture—don’t be tempted to overwork it. Those cold butter bits are what give the dumplings their signature fluff!
Step 3: Add Plant-Based Milk
Gently stir in the soy milk (or your favorite plant-based milk) until you have a shaggy dough. Don’t worry if it looks rustic and lumpy—it shouldn’t be super smooth. Just make sure there are no dry patches of flour. Once it’s combined, cover the dough and chill in the fridge while you whip up the veggie stew.
Step 4: Chop and Prep Your Veggies
Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped makes the whole cooking process effortless, and the variety ensures every spoonful of Vegan Dumpling Stew is loaded with texture and flavor.
Step 5: Build the Stew Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Then toss in carrots, celery, and mushrooms—cook until the veggies soften and begin to brown, about 8–10 minutes. This slow sauté is where the rich, layered flavor develops.
Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters
Stir in tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and an extra pinch of dried parsley. Give this a minute or two to cook through, allowing those deep umami flavors to meld, before seasoning generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 7: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cannellini beans. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pot. Bring it all to a gentle simmer—this is where the magic of Vegan Dumpling Stew truly begins!
Step 8: Form & Cook the Dumplings
Retrieve your chilled dough and quickly shape it into 9 or 10 equally-sized balls—don’t worry about perfection. Carefully place them in the simmering stew, spaced at least two inches apart so they have room to puff up. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10 minutes, capturing all the steamy goodness.
Step 9: Finish & Fluff!
After 10 minutes, remove the lid and gently spoon some of the hot stew broth over the tops of each dumpling. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme for extra brightness. Let the stew cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, just long enough for the dumplings to finish cooking through and the flavors to meld. Serve warm and get ready for comfort like you’ve never tasted!
How to Serve Vegan Dumpling Stew
Garnishes
Scatter extra fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over each bowl right before serving for a burst of color and a fresh, herbal aroma. A grind of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil adds even more polish—you’ll feel like you’re eating at a cozy bistro.
Side Dishes
This stew really shines all on its own, but if you love a hearty meal, serve it with a thick slice of crusty sourdough bread, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even roasted brussels sprouts for a colorful veggie feast. Every side compliments the warmth and depth of Vegan Dumpling Stew.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Vegan Dumpling Stew in rustic bowls for a homey, inviting vibe, or ladle it into mugs for an unforgettable, casual dinner party starter. For a potluck, try baking individual dumpling-topped ramekins—everyone will love discovering their own little treasure of stew under a soft, golden dumpling crust!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover stew (and dumplings!) to an airtight container once cooled. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the herbs seem to get even more fragrant as it rests. Just know that the dumplings will continue to absorb broth, so the stew thickens over time.
Freezing
Yes, Vegan Dumpling Stew can be frozen! Scoop stew and dumplings into freezer-safe containers. When freezing, consider letting the dumplings sit on top rather than submerging them fully in broth—they’ll keep their texture best. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy meals on demand.
Reheating
Rewarm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of veggie broth or water if the stew’s become too thick. Heat gently and cover the stew to make sure the dumplings come out soft, moist, and just as crave-worthy as on day one!
FAQs
Can I use other beans instead of cannellini?
Absolutely! Chickpeas, navy beans, or great northern beans would all work beautifully in Vegan Dumpling Stew—use what you have, and it’ll still be hearty and delicious.
Is there a gluten-free option for the dumplings?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a quality gluten-free blend (with xanthan gum for structure). Your dumplings will be slightly different in texture but still satisfyingly fluffy.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger pot, and make sure the dumplings have plenty of space to expand. Vegan Dumpling Stew is always a hit at family gatherings.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked through?
The dumplings should look puffed, fluffy, and spring back slightly when touched. You can cut one open to check that it’s no longer doughy inside—the center should look like moist bread, not raw batter.
Can I add other veggies to the stew?
Of course! Vegan Dumpling Stew is wonderfully flexible—try adding peas, diced potatoes, or chopped kale along with your other vegetables for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that brings people together and turns even ordinary weeknights into something special, give Vegan Dumpling Stew a try. You’ll fall in love with the pillowy dumplings and rich, savory broth—one spoonful and you’ll see why this dish is such a cozy favorite. Enjoy every bite!
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Vegan Dumpling Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Vegan Dumpling Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that combines fluffy dumplings with a flavorful vegetable stew. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
Dumpling Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup cold vegan butter (cubed)
- 1/3 cup soy milk (or any other plant-based milk)
Vegetable Stew:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 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 only)
Instructions
- Make the dumpling dough – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cut in vegan butter until crumbly, then mix in soy milk until a shaggy dough forms. Chill dough.
- Make the vegetable stew – Saute onion and garlic in olive oil. Add carrots, celery, mushrooms, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Stir in broth and beans, simmer.
- Cook the dumplings – Form dumpling dough into balls and add to simmering stew. Cook covered for 10 minutes, then uncovered for 5 minutes until fluffy.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences.
- Feel free to add more herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegan, Dumpling Stew, Vegetarian, Comfort Food, Plant-Based
