Soup or stew? That’s up to you to decide. What is undeniable is that this hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal is sure to fuel you up once the chill of fall sets into the air.
Per serving:
In heatproof bowl, place porcini mushrooms and boiling water. Let mushrooms rehydrate for 15 minutes. Strain, making sure to save both rehydrated mushrooms and mushroom broth. Finely chop mushrooms and set both mushrooms and broth aside.
In large 4 L stock pot or Dutch oven, warm oil over high heat. Add mixed mushrooms (except chopped porcini mushrooms) and allow to sear, stirring only very occasionally, until well browned, about 6 minutes. Turn heat down to medium and stir in onion. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes before adding reserved chopped porcini mushrooms, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Continue to cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. All vegetables should be well covered in tomato paste and some should be sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Deglaze bottom of pot with 1 cup (250 mL) reserved mushroom broth. Stir in diced tomatoes along with their juices, vegetable broth, remaining mushroom broth, lentils, and wild rice. Bring to a simmer before stirring in cabbage, bay leaf, and thyme. Cover pot with lid and cook on low, stirring occasionally, until lentils and rice are tender, about 40 to 45 minutes. Stir in vinegar and salt and let soup continue to cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in about 1/2 cup (125 mL) parsley, if using.
When ready to serve, ladle soup into bowls and garnish with some more parsley, if desired. Eat while warm.
Tip: tomatoes, dried mushrooms, and fresh mushrooms all contribute to the great punch of umami in this dish. Umami is one of the five basic tastes and is best described as being a savoury or meaty flavour. While it is said to boost the flavour of a dish, it may also help curb your appetite.
This vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.
Cauliflower has been having a moment lately, and this salad proves exactly why. Tender caramelized cauliflower is crowned in a glorious sweet and savoury crumble that will ensure it a place on your table all month long. Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest concentration of flavonoids, which offer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, and they also protect your cells from oxidative damage. Crumble perfection This crumble topping is too good not to use it on other preparations. Sprinkle over a carrot ribbon salad to add some extra pizzazz, use as a glorious garnish on a soup or stew, or consider generously spooning over your next vegetable “steak” to add some delicious textural variation.
This gloriously comforting dish gets its creamy lusciousness from a can of white beans. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand instead of broccoli. Pass the pasta Instead of regular pasta, consider serving this sauce over zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, or cooked spaghetti squash.
This nut-free take on classic queso dip is everything you want and more. Paired with chips, crackers, or crudités, this creamy, zesty, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying dip is easy enough to whip up for a cozy snack or as an appetizer for company. Go nuts! If you’re okay to eat nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds with 1 cup (250 mL) raw cashews.