This Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff is a hearty, plant-based twist on a classic comfort dish. With its rich, savory flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at a dinner party.
Cashews are the secret to achieving that luscious creaminess without any dairy. Soaking them softens their texture, making them blend smoothly. Olive oil adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the aromatics. Onion and garlic form the savory base, while cremini and shiitake mushrooms bring depth and umami, each contributing their unique earthiness. A splash of soy sauce enhances the umami and adds a savory depth to the mix.
Vegetable broth acts as the liquid backbone, melding all flavors together. Nutritional yeast introduces a cheesy, nutty essence, while Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang. The smoked paprika brings a hint of smoky warmth, perfect for adding dimension. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and pepper rounds out the flavor profile.
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, green salad featuring arugula or spinach. You might also consider serving it alongside some crusty, warm bread to mop up the sauce. A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the earthy flavors nicely.
First things first, soak the cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes. This helps them soften up, which is crucial for creating a smooth cream later on. While the cashews are soaking, get a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they’re translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
Next, add both the cremini and shiitake mushrooms to the pan. Cook them until they’re browned and tender, around 8 to 10 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the mushrooms are ready, stir in the soy sauce, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the mushroom mixture is simmering, drain and rinse the soaked cashews, then blend them with about a half cup of water until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Add this cashew cream to the skillet, stirring it into the mushroom mixture. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve this creamy stroganoff over your choice of whole wheat pasta or brown rice. Finish with a touch of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.