Mushroom stew is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, earthy, rich, and deeply comforting. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days when you crave something hearty but simple, something that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and your table with cozy satisfaction. Packed with tender mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and a flavorful broth, this stew proves that you don’t need meat to create depth and comfort.
At the heart of any good mushroom stew is, of course, the mushrooms. Using a mix of varieties – cremini, shiitake, oyster, or porcini, brings a wonderful range of textures and flavors. They’re sautéed until golden and slightly caramelized, which concentrates their umami essence and forms the base of the stew’s rich flavor. The addition of onions, garlic, and a splash of wine (red or white, depending on your mood) enhances that earthy depth and gives the dish a touch of elegance.
As the stew simmers, vegetable or beef broth melds with the mushrooms, herbs, and spices to create a deeply savory sauce. Fresh thyme, bay leaves, and a bit of black pepper add warmth and fragrance, while carrots or potatoes can be added for extra heartiness. A spoonful of tomato paste or soy sauce enriches the flavor, giving it that satisfying, slow-cooked taste even if you’re short on time.
The result is a stew that’s both rustic and refined – thick, aromatic, and bursting with layers of flavor. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or a swirl of cream adds brightness and contrast, making every bowl visually inviting.
Serve it with a side of crusty homemade bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fluffy scoop of rice to soak up all that rich sauce. Mushroom stew works beautifully as a main course or as a side to roasted meats, but it easily stands on its own as a vegetarian delight.
Deeply savory, comforting, and full of texture, mushroom stew is the kind of dish that reminds you how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary, the perfect way to warm both body and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup vegetable broth low sodium
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon flour all-purpose
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned and tender.
- Stir in the flour, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute.
- Slowly add the vegetable broth while stirring continuously until the stew thickens.
- Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes on low heat. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot and enjoy your mushroom stew.
Nutrition
I ain’t got no thyme, can I use oregano instead? 🤔
Yes, oregano works! It’ll give it a different flavor, but still tasty! 🙌
Delicious! My whole family loved it. Easy to prepare too!
This is the best stew I’ve ever made! So flavorful and comforting. Will definitely make again!
It was okay, but I think it needs more spices. Maybe a little cumin or paprika would help.
Mushrooms are toxic, be careful! I don’t trust this recipe.
Not all mushrooms are toxic! Cooked ones are safe. This recipe sounds great!
So simple to make! Took me only 30 mins! 😍
Wow, that’s awesome! I can’t believe you made it so quickly! 😄 I’ll definitely try it out this weekend!
30 mins? Really? I dunno… Seems like it would take longer than that, especially with all the chopping. 🤔
Wow, this stew is very mushroomy. If you like mushrooms, you will love it!
I love mushrooms! Can’t wait to try this recipe. Do you think it would work with different types of mushrooms?
Just a bowl of mushy mushrooms, boring! Never making this again.
I actually loved this stew! Maybe you just need to add more spices or something. Mushrooms are yum!
Boring? I think you just don’t know good food! It’s simple, but that’s the point! Sometimes less is more.