Easy Vegan Dumpling Stew: Comfort in a Bowl!

Alright, flavor adventurers, get ready to have your socks knocked off! I’ve been tinkering in the kitchen again, and this time I’ve struck gold. We’re talking next-level deliciousness, the kind that makes you wanna dance around the kitchen with a spoon in your hand. I’m about to share my recipe for vegan dumpling stew, and trust me, this is not your grandma’s bland stew.

I knew I had something special the first time I made it. My neighbor, Maria, practically inhaled a bowl and then begged for the recipe. That’s when I knew this vegan dumpling stew was ready for the world. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with so much flavor, you won’t believe it’s plant-based.

This recipe perfectly captures my Cuba Queen philosophy: bold, vibrant flavors that make every meal feel like a fiesta. It’s all about taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary. I’m beyond excited to share this vegan dumpling stew with you. So, grab your aprons, and let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and flavor building. Don’t skimp!
• 1 large onion, chopped: The aromatic base of our stew.
• 2 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Earthy notes that balance the sweetness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, am I right?
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is the secret weapon. It adds a smoky depth that’s irresistible.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Classic stew flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick! Adjust to your spice preference.
• 6 cups vegetable broth: Use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and body.
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Protein and texture.
• 1 cup frozen peas: For a pop of sweetness and color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
• For the Vegan Dumplings:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our fluffy dumplings.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, chilled: This is KEY for tender dumplings.
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk: Binds the dough together.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color.

This vegan dumpling stew ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!

The secret to an epic vegan dumpling stew is using smoked paprika instead of regular. It adds a depth of flavor that will blow your mind. You’ll find the best smoked paprika for this vegan dumpling stew at any well-stocked spice store or online. Splurge on good quality vegetable broth for this one vegan dumpling stew ingredient – trust me. It makes a huge difference.

To boost the flavor, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste when you sauté the vegetables. It adds richness and umami. For a budget-friendly alternative, use dried beans instead of canned chickpeas. Just be sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the stew.

Store any leftover vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This vegan dumpling stew recipe is all about making bold flavors accessible!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it’s where the flavor foundation is built!
2. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. This is where the magic starts to happen. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.
4. Stir in the chickpeas and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed – remember, we’re going for BOLD flavors here!
5. While the stew is simmering, prepare the vegan dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Don’t stress – your vegan dumpling stew is going to be incredible.
6. Cut in the chilled vegetable shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is crucial for light and fluffy dumplings.
7. Gradually add the almond milk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering stew. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Pro tip for vegan dumpling stew perfection: Don’t lift the lid during this time, or the steam will escape and the dumplings won’t rise properly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This vegan dumpling stew should look hearty, smell amazing, and feel like a warm hug in a bowl.

Here’s where most people mess up their vegan dumpling stew – but not you! Make sure your vegetable shortening is COLD. That’s the secret to light and fluffy dumplings. In my kitchen, this vegan dumpling stew takes exactly 18 minutes for the dumplings to cook perfectly. While your vegan dumpling stew is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! This is where your vegan dumpling stew transforms into pure magic.

PRESENTATION:

Presentation is key, even for something as humble as stew. Ladle the vegan dumpling stew into bowls, making sure each serving gets a generous helping of those fluffy dumplings. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

This vegan dumpling stew absolutely slays at dinner parties! People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this vegan dumpling stew at potlucks. I love pairing this vegan dumpling stew with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette. It’s a perfect meal for a chilly evening, a cozy weekend lunch, or any time you need a comforting bowl of deliciousness.

For an Instagram-worthy presentation, try arranging the dumplings artfully on top of the stew and drizzling with a touch of olive oil. Add a sprig of fresh thyme for extra flair.

Don’t throw away any leftovers! This vegan dumpling stew is even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

For a seasonal twist, try adding butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall, or asparagus and peas in the spring. The possibilities are endless! This vegetable dumpling stew is very versatile.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this vegan dumpling stew spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes to the stew, or use a spicier variety of chili powder. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to each serving. I’ve even used chopped jalapeños in my vegan dumpling stew for a real kick!

Q: What if I don’t have vegetable shortening for my vegan dumpling stew?
A: You can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before cutting it into the flour mixture. The texture of the dumplings might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q: How do I know when my vegan dumpling stew is perfectly done?
A: The dumplings should be cooked through and fluffy, with a slightly golden brown color. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into a dumpling. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. Also, the stew itself should be thick and flavorful.

Q: Can I use different vegetables in this vegan dumpling stew?
A: Of course! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, potatoes, green beans, and corn would all be great additions. This vegetarian dumpling stew is incredibly adaptable.

Q: Can I make the vegan dumplings gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard good things!

Q: Can I make this vegan dumpling stew ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the stew ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I recommend making the dumplings fresh just before serving, as they can become soggy if stored in the stew. The flavor of this plant-based dumpling soup is amazing the next day.

Q: My vegan dumplings are tough. What did I do wrong?
A: Overmixing the dumpling dough is the most common cause of tough dumplings. Mix the ingredients just until combined, and don’t overwork the dough. Also, make sure your vegetable shortening is cold. I learned this while making this vegan dumpling stew and it changed everything.

CONCLUSION:

This vegan dumpling stew isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, plant-based goodness, and the joy of cooking. It represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: taking simple ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary that everyone will rave about.

Here are my vegan dumpling stew Power Tips to make your flavor adventure a success:

• Cold Fat is Key: Use chilled vegetable shortening for the flakiest, most tender dumplings.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dumpling dough gently to avoid tough dumplings.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to add salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.

I’ve created a few variations of this vegan dumpling stew that I absolutely love. There is the spicy chorizo version, a sweet potato and kale version, and even a version with wild mushrooms and truffle oil. But honestly, the classic recipe gets the biggest reactions.

I’m confident that this vegan dumpling stew will become a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends and family, and it’s sure to impress even the most skeptical meat-eaters.

Make this vegan dumpling stew your signature dish. It’s not just food; it’s a memory in the making. So, go ahead and give it a try. I know you’re going to rock it! Don’t forget to share your results with me – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! This vegan dumpling stew is so satisfying!

If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my vegan pan-fried buns. For more bold flavor adventures, check out my black bean butternut squash stew. You should also check out my vegan sweet potato waffles, for more mom-friendly recipes.

Also, Check out this Vegan Dumpling Stew – ShortGirlTallOrder and Vegan Stew with Dumplings – Vegan and Oil-free Recipes … for another great vegan stew with dumplings recipes. Finally, for more information on vegan dumplings, check out this Easy Vegan Dumplings | The Veg Space