Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and healthy meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew! This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, many of which you can likely find at your local Costco, making it a budget-friendly and time-saving option for busy weeknights. It's packed with earthy mushroom goodness, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth – perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying lunch. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe some friends!) with this simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced (Costco sells large packs!)
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced (or use all cremini)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste for a richer flavor
- Optional: ½ cup red wine for added depth
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini and baby bella mushrooms to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and browned slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pot; you may need to do this in batches for best results.
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Build the Stew: Stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), cannellini beans, carrots, and celery. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in the tomato paste and/or red wine at this stage.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This stew is delicious served with crusty bread for dipping!
Tips for the Best Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew:
- Mushroom Variety: Feel free to experiment with other mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or portobello for added depth of flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot during the simmering process.
- Make it Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 15g
- Fiber: Approximately 10g
Variations:
- Creamy Mushroom Stew: Stir in a can of full-fat coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Heartier Stew: Add other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
- Lentil Mushroom Stew: Incorporate a cup of brown or green lentils for extra protein and fiber.
This Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew is a fantastic example of delicious and easy healthy meals that can be prepared quickly at home using readily available ingredients. It is a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, showcasing the best of homemade cooking. Enjoy!