Thick Vegetable Stew Recipes?

[fatgirlgoinveg]

Anyone know any good ones? I want something that has a thicker consistency, but preferably with using a non-meat base. What would you recommend? I tried using red wine to thicken it and it worked OK. but not quite what I am wanting. Or maybe not enough of what I am wanting. Also, what would you recommend putting in it? I use the follow veggies:

Comments

[itsjustsomegirl]

You could always use some cornstarch or tapioca starch to thicken a broth (to a gravy-like consistency or slightly runnier). I also am a big fan of beginning a soup by sauteing onion/carrot/celery (or you can leave that out) in a bit of butter, then adding the stock & other veggies. Gives it a bit of a buttery/rich taste. OH, if you're doing a bean soup, my mom taught me that putting a can of vegetarian refried beans (black or pinto, whatever you like) in the soup makes for a thick base. Just mix it up with everything else in the pot, being sure you add some stock, too.

Hope that helps :)

[fatgirlgoinveg]

That really does, thank you!

I am new to the stew thing. I usually just bought a can of the low-sodium type on the rare occasions I was in the mood for it, but I can't pretend it tastes especially good. It was just convenient on those nights I didn't have time to cook, and didn't have something prep-prepped I could pull from the freezer.

[itsjustsomegirl]

Yeah, I'm way turned off the canned stuff after making my own. Plus, I don't think I ever really liked it (kind of like you said). I find it's best to just take whatever is in the fridge & make a soup from it (unless something really doesn't fit in there, ha). :) Have fun experimenting!!

PS: I'm addicted to the little paste bouillon in a jar stuff. I can't think of what it's called, but it's certified vegan & you can use as little or as much as you want (adjust for taste & saltiness) instead of having to open a container of stock that might not be used up in the recipe. :)

[fatgirlgoinveg]

My friend told me about that stuff and I have never tried it. I will have to see if I can find a jar this weekend.

[fatgirlgoinveg]

That looks beautiful! :o Cooking this, for real. I have to grocery shop tomorrow, so I will see about picking up the ingredients if they are on market and putting it together.

[iammightee]

You kinda can't go wrong with a what you put in it. I make veggie stew for my omnivorous hubby and kids pretty much every weekend now, and though the ingredients are different every time, they always love it. Although, I would recommend white beans or baby lima beans over kidney or black. The texture seems to work just a bit better.

To thicken, just before finishing sift and stir in a little flour. Or you can always top it with some dumplings (Bisquick and almond milk), which thicken it up when you break them up in your bowl.

Anyway, here's my basic recipe: http://iammightee.livejournal.com/121422.html