Delicious Vegan Dumpling Stew: The Perfect Comfort Food!

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk about those nights when the 5 PM panic hits, and you’re staring into the fridge wondering what magic you can conjure. I’ve been there! That’s when my sanity-saving vegan dumpling stew comes to the rescue.

This vegan dumpling stew is pure comfort food, and it’s surprisingly easy to throw together, even when the kids are “helping” (aka making a mess!). It’s a hug in a bowl, packed with veggies and those pillowy soft dumplings that everyone loves.

My friend Sarah first introduced me to this vegan dumpling stew a few years back. She knew I was desperately searching for plant-based options that were still kid-approved. I will forever be grateful! Let’s get to it fellow kitchen warriors. I hope this will be a meal that fits seamlessly into your family’s beautiful chaos.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is what I use but any oil will do!
• 1 large onion, chopped: The base of our flavor party.
• 2 carrots, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: More flavor depth!
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
• 8 cups vegetable broth: Low sodium is my go-to.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t drain ’em – we want that juice!
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a cozy, earthy note.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Another layer of yum.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a tiny kick!
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Protein power!
• 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and sweetness, plus the kids love them.
• 1 package (about 16 ounces) vegan gnocchi: These are our “dumplings!” You can grab these at Trader Joe’s while doing your regular grocery run.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always important.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Makes it look fancy, even when it’s not!
• One cup of vegan cream cheese: Trust me, this is a family fave.

Trust me, this vegan dumpling stew ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! If you don’t have rosemary, basil is a great substitution. Here’s a vegan dumpling stew trick that saved my sanity. I chop all my veggies on Sunday so that everything is ready to go come Tuesday! This vegan dumpling stew doesn’t have to break the bank – frozen veggies are just as good as fresh and cheaper too!

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen.
2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, until fragrant. Your vegan dumpling stew should smell amazing by now!
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a simmer. This is a good time to check those emails you’ve been putting off.
4. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go, Momma.
5. Gently stir in the vegan gnocchi. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through. Don’t panic if your vegan dumpling stew looks a little thick – the gnocchi will absorb some of the liquid.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another minute, until heated through. At this point I also like to add a cup of vegan cream cheese to the pot to make the stew creamy. This also helps to add to the flavor.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and easy vegan dumpling stew!

Here’s where I used to mess up my vegan dumpling stew – I wouldn’t let the veggies soften enough in the beginning. Now I know to be patient! In my chaotic kitchen, this vegan dumpling stew usually takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. While your vegan dumpling stew is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! My family loves when I use pre-made gnocchi, but if you are feeling ambitious, you can make your own!

How We Love to Eat This!

My family loves this vegan dumpling stew because it’s so versatile. I often serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping – the kids devour it! It’s also amazing with a simple side salad for a bit of freshness.

This vegan dumpling stew is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners. I sometimes make a double batch on Sunday and then we have leftovers for lunch during the week. It’s a total sanity-saver. For presentation, a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way.

My husband is a big fan of adding a dollop of vegan sour cream on top. I’ve also tried a seasonal variation with butternut squash – so yummy! This vegan dumpling stew reminds me of another family favorite, my one-pot cowboy stew. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my black bean butternut squash stew!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this vegan dumpling stew?

  • Totally! My youngest is a picky eater, and she loves this. The key is to chop the veggies small and make sure the gnocchi is cooked until it’s nice and soft. You can also let them add their own toppings like vegan cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

• What if I burn my vegan dumpling stew? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

  • Oh honey, we’ve all been there! If it’s just a little burnt on the bottom, carefully transfer the stew to a clean pot, avoiding the burnt bits. If it’s too burnt, it might be a lost cause. But hey, tomorrow’s a new day!

• Can I make this vegan dumpling stew ahead for meal prep?

  • Absolutely! This vegan dumpling stew is perfect for meal prep. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• What kind of gnocchi works best?

  • I usually use the shelf-stable vegan gnocchi you can find at Trader Joe’s or most grocery stores. But you can also use frozen gnocchi – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Can I add other vegetables?

  • Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies your family enjoys. Mushrooms, spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes would all be great additions to this vegan dumpling stew.

• Is this gluten-free?

  • It depends on the gnocchi you use. Many brands of gnocchi contain wheat flour, but you can find gluten-free versions made with potato flour or other gluten-free flours.

• What if I don’t have vegan gnocchi?

  • No worries! You can use any type of dumpling you like, or even just skip the dumplings altogether and have a vegetable stew. Or if you want to try making your own dumplings, check out this Vegan Dumpling Stew – ShortGirlTallOrder recipe!

Final Thoughts:

This vegan dumpling stew is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a symbol of those comforting, nourishing meals that bring my family together, even amidst the beautiful chaos. It’s a reminder that dinner doesn’t have to be perfect to be delicious and appreciated. My kids love this vegan dumpling stew when I serve it with some vegan garlic bread.

My vegan dumpling stew Mom Hacks:

• Chop all your veggies ahead of time.
• Use pre-made vegan gnocchi for speed.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies and spices!

Here are a few family-tested vegan dumpling stew variations:

• Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Creamy: Stir in a can of coconut milk at the end.
• Hearty: Add a cup of lentils or quinoa for extra protein and fiber.

My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the creamy one. My husband likes to add a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese on top. I encourage you to make this vegan dumpling stew your own, Mom Tribe!

I truly hope this vegan dumpling stew becomes a staple in your household, a meal that brings you comfort, joy, and maybe just a little bit of sanity on those crazy weeknights. You’ve got this, fellow kitchen warriors! And for more inspiration, check out these Vegan Soup & Stew Recipes – ShortGirlTallOrder! For a vegan and oil-free recipe for dumpling stew, click here. While you are at it, don’t forget about my vegan mushroom stroganoff.

You will absolutely love how easy it is to customize this plant-based dumpling soup to your own taste. The combination of vegetables, hearty broth, and soft gnocchi make this the perfect vegan stew with dumplings for any night of the week. I promise you, with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, comforting, dairy-free dumpling stew that the whole family will enjoy.

 

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