Hearty Vegetarian Stew

Ingredients

• • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 1 cup chopped carrots

  • 1 cup chopped celery

  • 2 cups veggie beef tips (or quartered mushrooms, seitan chunks, etc.)

  • 4 chopped potatoes

  • 400 ml diced tomatoes (1/2 lg. can)

  • 400 ml kidney beans (1 reg. can) (rinsed and drained)

  • 1 L veggie beef broth (or vegetable)

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 3 tbsp flour

  • 3 tbsp powdered gravy mix

  • 1/3 Cup water

  • 1/4 Cup red cooking wine

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • Salt to taste

Preparation

1. In a large soup pot, cook oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery and veggie beef over medium heat until onions are soft (8 to 10 minutes).

2. Add potatoes, tomatoes, beans, broth, thyme, bay leaves and pepper.

3. Simmer, stirring frequently for at least 30 minutes.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, gravy, water, and wine together until smooth.

5. Stir the flour/gravy mixture into the stew and simmer for 5 more minutes until thick, stirring often.

6. Remove the bay leaves.

7. Taste and add salt if necessary.