What’s Better Than Beef Stew? Vegan Beef Stew!
Vegan beef stew is better! Because it has no meat, but lots of veggies. And it tastes just as good as any real beef stew.
Believe it vegan beef stew is one of my favorite warm bowls of comfort and joy that I love so much when it’s cold outside. And it’s one of the foods I miss during the summer but don’t let myself make it until the first frost. Then it makes it even more special, knowing it only comes at certain times of the year.
Waiting Through The Seasons
So the foods that remind me of spring are asparagus, new potatoes, fresh berries, fresh salads, and pretty much anything bright green… spring green.
And summer means corn on the cob, potato salad, tomatoes, zucchini, and actually any barbecued grilled veggies, watermelon, and strawberry.
Then for autumn, anything and everything with pumpkin and pumpkin spices, apple cider, apple pie, warm soups, and butternut squash.
And last but not least, winter foods. Ahhh, winter foods. The longest season in the Northeast U.S. and the season of food that makes me happy every year.
Because the warm casseroles, the baked goodies, and the cranberries return! And the holiday dinners, parties, cookies, and pies, oh my! And of course, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean bake, vegan macaroni and cheese, and the Believe It Vegan Beef Stew. MMM-Mmm.
The longest season
But winter isn’t my favorite. That first snow is pretty. But after the fifth snowstorm, not as much. And I find by February I’m more than ready for spring and warmer weather. Because I miss the birds, the sounds of nature, and the signs of life outside the window. I’d appreciate any evidence of movement other than a snowflake. A little green on the ground again or on the branches of the grey trees is what I’m craving.
I’ve heard it said that Westhampton Beach has a population in the ballpark figure of 30,000 people in the summer. In the winter months, it supposedly drops to something like 3,000. All I know for sure is, it gets much quieter, businesses close up shop and everybody and everything seems to move inside. Then all the people, the lawn furniture, and the colors disappear.
The Tuesday after labor day has the moniker “Tumbleweed Tuesday” around here and it lives up to its name. There’s a slowing down that goes along with the disappearance of the traffic, the long lines, and the unfamiliar faces; but the light that shines through all this abundant winter darkness lies in the kitchen.
Head to The heart of the Home and Make Vegan Beef Stew
After spending summer months trying to avoid the oven and eat fresher, lighter fare, it’s inviting to head back to the warmth of the kitchen and the comforting foods just waiting to be recreated when the temperatures drop.
One of the yummiest wintertime foods in our home is Believe It Vegan Beef Stew. It’s a bowl full of flavor like a warm loving hug, corny as that may sound.
Believe It Vegan Beef Stew is just one of the reasons that help me realize the winter isn’t all gloom and doom. The snows bring a new kind of beauty and a warm cup of tea by the fireplace is the perfect invitation for a good book. My love of fuzzy socks and flannel pajamas is re-found and all the good movies and tv shows are back, so, gotta look on the bright side!
More to Love
So I guess the conclusion is, all the seasons have something good to offer. It’s a beautiful thing. And with winter lasting extra-especially longer than the rest of the seasons, around here, there’s more eating going on. And by the end of winter, more of me to love, too! Thank goodness for spring and summer activities!
More winter comfort foods
Other warm love in a bowl is found in our Miraculous Minestrone Soup:
And mix up your favorite pasta with our Vegalicious Vegan Cheese Sauce for a mac and cheese masterpiece!
Finally, you need to make our Lovely Luscious Vegan Lasagna for another layer of love for your winter nights.
Warmest regards for those coldest of nights!
P.S. Check out our post, Main Street Westhampton Beach if you decide to make a stop in the village.
copyright © thehamptonsvegan 2017 – 2023. All rights reserved.
Believe It Vegan Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 1 9 oz. package vegan beef tips (like Gardein) OR use 10 oz. of Beyond Meat Plant-Based Steak Tips or 8 ounces of mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2-3 medium carrots, (about 1 1/2 – 2 cups) chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon all spice
- 2-3 medium potatoes (about 2 cups) cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 3 cups broth use faux beef broth like Better than Bouillon No Beef Base, or any vegan mushroom or vegetable broth
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/2 the oil to the pan.
- Lightly brown vegan beef tips (and/or mushrooms) then remove from pan and set aside.
- Add the rest of the oil to the pan and then add onions, celery, and carrots, cooking until translucent and softened- about 5 minutes or so. (If the pan starts to brown too much, add a bit of broth or water to deglaze the pan.)
- Add seasonings, flour, and garlic to the pan and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add wine and then broth while stirring.
- Add potatoes and peas and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 25 – 45 minutes, uncovered. Stew is done cooking when potatoes and carrots are fork tender and sauce is thickened.
- Return beef tips (and/or mushrooms) to the pan for a few minutes to heat through. Finish with a dash of salt and pepper to taste.