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What could be more inviting than a hearty bowl of stew as the season’s chill wraps around us? But not just any stew; today, I bring you an Argentinian Beefless Stew that will satisfy your soul.
This delicious Argentinian beefless cozy stew is a delightful adaptation of a homemade and popular recipe in Argentine homes. It is very simple to prepare and combines the mushroom and lentil savory flavors with the sweetness of carrots, onions, and potatoes. The stew is seasoned with classic spices from Argentinian cuisine.
The original recipe contains non-vegan ingredients, but I’ve replicated the flavors and comforting experience using only vegetables. Trust me, it’s delicious!
I enjoyed this stew with my family on those cold winter days in Cordoba, Argentina. My mom used to prepare this dish with almost the same ingredients and steps but using meat. I replaced that ingredient using mushrooms and lentils and worked the umami flavor in layers, and this version tastes amazing!
This recipe includes only Whole Food Plant-based ingredients, and it’s free from oil and gluten if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, and it’s nut-free. If you want to make it soy-free, skip the soy sauce entirely.
Now it’s your time to try. Let’s get cooking and bring a touch of homemade delight to your table!
HOW TO PREPARE THIS ARGENTINIAN BEEFLESS STEW
(Please scroll down to read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
This recipe is super easy to prepare, and the ingredients are easily available at every grocery store.
To prepare this stew, start by sautéing the base vegetables and deglazing the pot with balsamic vinegar. Add the main ingredients, including lentils and spices, simmer until tender, then finish with peas and adjust the seasoning before garnishing with parsley to serve.
And that’s a high-level summary; now, let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools needed to prepare the recipe:
- Knife & Chopping Board: Essential for prepping your ingredients.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing and simmering the stew to perfection.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious stew:
Base Ingredients
- Red Lentils: Serve as the protein backbone of the stew, thickening it naturally while providing a hearty texture and nutritional benefits.
- Onion, Celery, and Carrots: The foundational trio, or mirepoix, lends essential flavors that create a rich, aromatic base for the stew.
Flavor Enhancers
- Fresh Mushrooms: Add depth and a meaty texture, offering a satisfying umami flavor that mimics the richness typically beef provides.
- Garlic: Infuses the stew with an intense, aromatic quality that enriches the flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Used for deglazing, it introduces a sweet and tangy contrast, enhancing the stew with a complex acidity.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari for GF option): Brings a salty, umami depth, amplifying the savory notes of the stew.
- Low Sodium Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid base, allowing the flavors to meld together while keeping the sodium content in check.
- Bay Leaves, Dried Italian Seasoning, and Paprika: These seasonings introduce a layer of aromatic herbs, echoing traditional Argentinian spices. I use regular paprika but feel free to use smoked paprika if you like or add your twist of favor using your favorite spices.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance and bring out the ingredients’ natural flavors and help build the flavor layers of the stew.
Extra Veggies
- Potatoes: Contribute a comforting, filling element, absorbing the stew’s flavors while adding to its chunky texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: Offer a mild acidity and freshness, balancing the hearty and rich components of the stew.
- Frozen Peas: Add a pop of sweetness and color, brightening the stew towards the end of cooking.
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley: Offers a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s deep flavors, adding a final touch of freshness before serving.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this stew, follow these steps:
Prep Your Lentils and veggies: Rinse red lentils and set aside. This step is crucial for removing any debris and ensuring perfect texture. And chop all the veggies to be ready for the next steps.
Sauté the Base: Cook onion, celery, and carrots until softened, laying the foundation of your stew’s flavor profile.
Build the Flavor: Add garlic, mushrooms, and sauté until golden, then deglaze with balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, scraping up the delicious bits for an irresistible depth.
Simmer to Perfection: Introduce lentils, potatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices, simmering until everything melds into a comforting, flavorful stew.
Finish with Freshness: Stir in frozen peas and parsley for a pop of color and freshness, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Serve hot, and enjoy it!
What you’ll love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- Rich, Complex Flavors: The combination of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and traditional spices creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with lentils, mushrooms, and potatoes, it’s a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to adjust based on personal preference or available ingredients.
- Allergen-Friendly: Free from common allergens like gluten (if using tamari), nuts, and soy (skipping soy sauce), making it accessible to many.
- Simple Preparation: Despite its complex flavors, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal planning.
Let’s prepare this delicious stew!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
COMFORTING ARGENTINIAN BEEFLESS STEW (WFPB)
Equipment
- 1 chef knife
- 1 chopping board
- 1 Soup Pot (or Dutch Oven)
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion (large, finely chopped)
- 2 celery sticks (thinly sliced)
- 3 carrots (medium, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices)
- 16 oz mushrooms (fresh, sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar for deglazing
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for GF option
- 4 potatoes (large, cut into chunks)
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can ; no salt added
- 3 ½ cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried)
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup peas (frozen)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation of Lentils: Begin by thoroughly rinsing the red lentils under cold water. Set them aside to drain.
- Sautéing Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, celery, and carrots with water to prevent sticking and a pinch of salt. Cook until they begin to soften.
- Mushrooms, Garlic, and Deglazing: Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then add the mushrooms and. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until the mushrooms release their juices. Their water evaporates, and they start to brown nicely around 10 minutes. Then, pour the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pot, scrape any browned bits from the bottom, and add the soy sauce. This step will add a rich depth of flavor to the stew.
- Combining Ingredients: Mix in the potato’s chunks, followed by the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cooking the Stew: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Adding Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook the stew for 5 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, allowing space for expansion; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat the stew on the stove over medium heat, adjusting the consistency with a bit of broth or water if necessary.
- Layering Flavors: Adding ingredients in stages builds complexity in the flavor profile, ensuring each component contributes its best qualities to the stew. Seasonings like salt and pepper should be adjusted both during cooking and just before serving to ensure the stew is perfectly seasoned.
- Consistency Adjustments: Add more vegetable broth to achieve your preferred consistency if the stew is too thick. If it is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer. You can also add a slurry with cornstarch and water to make it thicker.
- This recipe was adapted from my Argentinian family’s traditional recipe (that uses meat, but my version is Vegan); however, feel free to substitute or add your favorite veggies, spices, or extra vegan protein like tofu or tempeh.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS ARGENTINIAN BEEFLESS STEW
Here are some delightful ways to serve your Simple Beefless Cozy Stew:
- With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, crusty loaf of whole wheat bread, perfect for soaking up the rich flavors of the stew.
- Over Rice or Grains: Spoon the stew over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or any whole grain of your choice for a hearty and filling meal.
- With Polenta: For a creamy and comforting base, serve the stew over soft polenta, enhancing the meal with a smooth texture contrast. I love polenta!
If you are hungry for more satisfying and delicious comfort food, visit the following list that will cozy up your days: Vegan soups and stews.
DID YOU MAKE THIS ARGENTINIAN BEEFLESS STEW?
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