Name: Vegan Dumpling Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: For the Stew:; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari; 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening); For the Dumplings:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (plus more as needed); Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Hearty and comforting, this Vegan Dumpling Stew is a nourishing one-pot meal loaded with tender vegetables, creamy white beans, and pillowy dumplings. Infused with herbs and rich flavor, it’s the ideal recipe for warming up during colder months or when you’re craving a healthy yet satisfying bowl of comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stew is a balanced and filling meal that combines protein, fiber, and wholesome carbohydrates in one pot. The soft, fluffy dumplings add a delightful texture to the savory vegetable and bean broth, making it a favorite for both family dinners and casual gatherings. It’s dairy-free, egg-free, and entirely plant-based, yet hearty enough to satisfy even the most traditional stew lovers. Plus, it’s customizable and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Stew:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon flour (for thickening, optional)

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (plus more as needed)
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and soy sauce. Let cook for about 2 more minutes.
Add the white beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer. If a thicker consistency is desired, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew.
Let the stew simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
While the stew simmers, prepare the dumpling dough by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutritional yeast in a bowl. Add olive oil and plant-based milk. Mix until a soft dough forms—do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a lid and let cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, allowing the dumplings to steam.
Check to ensure dumplings are cooked through—they should be fluffy and firm to the touch.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: 285 kcal

Variations

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for both the stew and dumplings.
Add greens: Stir in kale, spinach, or collard greens during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
Different beans: Substitute chickpeas or lentils if you don’t have white beans on hand.
Spice it up: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Root vegetables: Incorporate diced potatoes or parsnips for a heartier base.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.
Freezing: This stew can be frozen, but note that the dumplings may change in texture. If freezing, consider adding freshly made dumplings when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stew portion in advance and add the dumplings when reheating for best texture.

Are the dumplings supposed to be fluffy or dense?

They should be soft, fluffy, and fully cooked through. Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain the right texture.

Can I use canned biscuits or pre-made dough for the dumplings?

While possible, homemade dumplings are recommended for best flavor and consistency in a vegan recipe.

What’s the best plant-based milk for the dumplings?

Unsweetened soy, almond, or oat milk work well. Make sure it’s neutral in flavor.

Is this stew freezer-friendly?

The base freezes well, but dumplings may become soggy. Consider freezing the stew without dumplings and adding them fresh when reheating.

Can I use other herbs besides thyme?

Yes, rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning also complement the stew well.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

They should be puffed up and firm when touched. You can also insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they are done.

Can I skip the tomato paste?

You can omit it, but it adds depth and richness to the broth. Consider substituting with a bit of crushed tomatoes or red pepper paste.

What kind of white beans work best?

Cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans are ideal choices for their creamy texture.

Is this stew kid-friendly?

Yes, it has mild flavors and is rich in nutrients, making it suitable for children.

Conclusion

This Vegan Dumpling Stew is the epitome of comfort food—nourishing, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With simple ingredients and a one-pot preparation method, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekend dinners. The fluffy dumplings and savory stew base make it a go-to meal for plant-based eaters and comfort food lovers alike.

Vegan Dumpling Stew

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Hearty and comforting, this vegan dumpling stew features fluffy homemade dumplings nestled in a rich vegetable and white bean broth. Perfectly seasoned and ideal for chilly evenings, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and soy sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes.
Add white beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer. For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon flour with a bit of water to form a slurry and stir it in.
Simmer the stew uncovered for 10 minutes while you prepare the dumplings.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutritional yeast (if using). Add olive oil and plant-based milk. Stir until a soft dough forms—do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a lid and let dumplings steam for 15 minutes—do not lift the lid while cooking.
Check that dumplings are cooked through (they should be fluffy and firm to the touch).
Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley.