I absolutely love cozy stews, and this Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. The combination of hearty soy curls with tender potatoes and sweet green peas creates a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. What’s great is that it’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warming but packed with flavour.
When I first tried this Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe, I was amazed at how the soy curls soak up the rich broth, giving the stew a meaty texture without any animal products. You’ll find that this recipe not only fills you up but also keeps you feeling great afterward—with lots of veggies and wholesome ingredients. It’s definitely a keeper in my recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Satisfying Texture: Soy curls give you that meaty bite without any animal-products, perfect for vegans craving hearty meals.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Combining classic veggies with a robust broth means deep flavor with minimal fuss in your kitchen.
- Perfect One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together, making cleanup easy and saving you time after a long day.
- Flexible and Customizable: You can swap in your favorite veggies or adjust herbs to make the stew your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe plays its part in balancing texture and flavor. The soy curls soak up the broth beautifully, while the potatoes and carrots add heartiness and sweetness. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and prepare your pantry.
- Soy Curls: These dehydrate quickly then soak up flavor like a sponge, creating a chewy, meaty feel without soy sauce alternatives.
- Vegetable Broth: A rich broth is key here — I always go for a low-sodium brand so I can control salt levels myself.
- Potatoes: Russets are best because they break down slightly to thicken the stew but still hold enough shape.
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color; peel them for the smoothest texture.
- Green Peas: Frozen peas are convenient and add a fresh pop towards the end of cooking.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and depth.
- Tomato Paste: Just a spoonful enhances umami and thickens the broth.
- Herbs (Rosemary & Thyme): Classic pairings for a savory stew with an earthy hint.
- Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Paste: This boosts flavor in the soy curl soak — no need to skip if you want a richer taste.
- All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: These help thicken the stew, so it’s nicely clingy and comforting.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the soy curls and onions till everything smells incredible.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe is — it’s fun to experiment with different textures and flavors. Whether you want to make it extra spicy or swap out the soy curls, there’s room for creativity here.
- Jackfruit Instead of Soy Curls: I tried shredded jackfruit once, and while it didn’t soak flavors as deeply, it added a lovely fibrous texture perfect in a pinch.
- Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives: Substitute with chickpea flour or arrowroot powder if you need to keep the stew gluten-free without losing thickness.
- Added Heat: A touch of smoked paprika or cayenne can really elevate this stew if you crave some warmth on colder nights.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or parsnips depending on the season — they blend beautifully with the herbs.
How to Make Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe
Step 1: Soak and Season the Soy Curls
Start by mixing warm water, Better Than Bouillon vegetable paste, and soy sauce in a large bowl. This soak is what infuses the soy curls with that rich, savory flavor they’ll bring to the stew. Once the soy curls have soaked for about 10 minutes and softened, drain them well, then toss them back into the bowl with garlic powder, black pepper, and flour. This coating helps give the curls a little crust when you sauté them, which is my favorite part!
Step 2: Sauté and Build Flavor
Heat olive oil in a large pot and add the soy curls, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the soy curls pick up a slight golden hue. If you’re using wine, stir it in next—this step releases those browned bits stuck to the pot, adding layers of flavor. Then pour in your vegetable broth and scrape the pot bottom to lift all that goodness into the stew.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Simmer
Stir in your potatoes, carrots, celery pieces, tomato paste, rosemary, and thyme. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let everything simmer for around 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the potatoes become tender, and the flavors all blend beautifully. Keep the lid partially on to let the stew thicken slightly but not dry out.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and slowly stir it into the simmering stew. Add in just enough to reach a lovely thickened consistency—you might not need it all, so go slow here. Finally, fold in your thawed green peas and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking the soy curls in vegetable broth and soy sauce really amps up the flavor — trust me, it’s worth the extra 10 minutes.
- Cook Potatoes Just Right: Peel and cut potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly — I’ve learned this ensures they’re tender but still hold shape without turning mushy.
- Slow Simmer for Depth: Keeping the heat low gives the herbs and tomato paste time to meld beautifully into the broth.
- Add Cornstarch Gradually: Stir in your thickener slowly and check consistency after each splash to avoid an overly gloopy stew.
How to Serve Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness of the stew. Sometimes I’ll add a bit of cracked black pepper or a swirl of coconut cream for extra creaminess, especially in colder months.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty artisan bread to soak up all that savory broth. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements the stew nicely if you want something light on the side, or maybe some warm vegan biscuits for a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this stew in rustic ceramic bowls with a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. You can also ladle it over creamy polenta or rice to dress it up. It’s a cozy dish that adapts easily whether casual or fancy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches during the week.
Freezing
This Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture. Just be mindful that the potatoes can become a bit softer after thawing, but the flavors remain fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it feels too thick, a splash of vegetable broth or water helps loosen it up without sacrificing flavor. Microwave works too for quick warming, just cover to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh green peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas are wonderful when in season and add a burst of sweetness and texture similar to frozen peas. Just add them in at the same time to let them cook through gently without overcooking.
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What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon vegetable paste?
No worries! You can substitute the soaking liquid for the soy curls with 3 cups of vegetable broth. The bouillon paste just intensifies flavor, but broth alone works just fine and still produces a tasty stew.
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Are soy curls gluten-free?
Yes, soy curls are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just be sure to check labels on any additional ingredients like broth or flour substitutes if needed.
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Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
You can! I’d recommend soaking the soy curls beforehand, then adding all ingredients except the peas to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until veggies are tender. Add peas in the last 15 minutes to keep them bright.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it combines simple ingredients into a dish that feels thoughtfully made. It’s the kind of meal I can rely on when I want something nourishing and comforting, but also flavorful enough to impress friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to throw together and how deeply satisfying every spoonful tastes!
PrintVegan Hearty Soy Curl Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This classic and hearty vegan stew features rehydrated soy curls simmered with potatoes, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs in a rich vegetable broth. Enhanced with red wine and thickened to a perfect consistency, this comforting stew is ideal for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Soy Curl “Beef”
- 3 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon better than bouillon vegetable paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 8 ounce bag soy curls
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
The Rest
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 russets)
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 stalks celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Rehydrate & Season Soy Curls: In a large bowl, combine warm water, better than bouillon vegetable paste, and soy sauce. Add soy curls and soak for 10 minutes until fully rehydrated. Drain the soy curls, then return them to the bowl and toss with garlic powder, black pepper, and all-purpose flour to coat evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics and Soy Curls: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the coated soy curls along with chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Pour in red wine (if using) and vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the pot and lift any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the stew simmer gently for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the stew until it reaches your preferred thickness; you may not need to use all of it. Continue to simmer and stir to activate the thickening.
- Finish with Peas and Seasoning: Add the thawed green peas to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy warm with crusty bread, biscuits, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For alternative vegan “beef”, try jackfruit (sauté with onions and garlic without soaking), chopped tempeh, seitan, or vegan meat substitutes like Beyond Burgers.
- If better than bouillon paste is unavailable, substitute the water and paste with 3 cups of vegetable broth for soaking the soy curls.
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour if needed for the soy curl mixture.
- Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch in the slurry for thickening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg