Hearty Vegan Goulash: A Rich and Flavorful Stew

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings:

• Serves 4-6

This Hearty Vegan Goulash is a rich and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with vegetables, beans, and aromatic spices, this goulash is both nutritious and satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delicious dish!

Ingredients:

For the Goulash:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 cups of mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons of paprika (sweet or smoked, according to your preference)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Vegan sour cream (optional)

For Serving:

• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Peppers: Stir in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and diced green bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Vegetables

1. Add Carrots and Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced carrots and mushrooms. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to release their moisture and soften.
2. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices. Add the tomato paste and mix well to combine.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Beans

1. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
2. Add Beans and Bay Leaf: Stir in the drained kidney beans and add the bay leaf.

Step 4: Simmer the Goulash

1. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the goulash simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Goulash: Serve the vegan goulash hot over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread on the side.
2. Garnish: Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley and a dollop of vegan sour cream if desired.
3. Enjoy: Enjoy this hearty and flavorful goulash with family and friends!

Tips and Variations:

• Extra Protein: Add some cooked lentils or tofu for added protein.
• Different Vegetables: Substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or potatoes for variety.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash for more heat.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Nutritional Information:

This vegan goulash is rich in vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and beans. The combination of spices adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it both flavorful and nutritious.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin the stew if it has thickened too much.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Pasta: Serve over cooked pasta for a hearty meal.
• With Rice: Pair with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying dish.
• With Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

This Hearty Vegan Goulash is a wonderful way to enjoy a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh vegetables, beans, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Enjoy this flavorful goulash with family and friends. Happy cooking!