Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 8 oz. sliced mushrooms (a combination of cremini and shiitake recommended)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups baby greens (such as baby chard, arugula, or spinach)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced (for garnish)
Liquids & Broth
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened, unflavored dairy-free milk
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 juiced lemon
Beans & Starches
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini beans preferred), drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper recommended)
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and mushrooms: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil or a bit of water for oil-free cooking. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add garlic and thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not burn.
- Prepare the thickening mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch (or tapioca/cornstarch) into the unsweetened dairy-free milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour the vegetable broth, dairy-free milk mixture, and drained white beans into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken and flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.
- Add greens and seasonings: Stir in the baby greens until just wilted. Then add the tamari (or soy sauce), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh sliced basil for a burst of herbal freshness and color. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of dairy-free milk.
- Try adding other vegetables such as diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-free tamari is recommended to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the arrowroot starch to 1.5 tablespoons.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This stew freezes well; cool completely before freezing in portions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan