This is an expansion of another Melissa Clark recipe that we have added to, making a rich, filling and very hearty stew that will warm any chilly night. And it has a spicy bite, which is nice. At the base of this is a simple tomato and bean combination that we added to with some plant based sausage and mushrooms. But, it can be the vehicle for any additions that may be of interest. This version is vegetarian.
For 2-4 servings you’ll need: x2 Beyond plant based Italian sausage links (cut into 1″ sections), x1 Beyond plant based burger patty (broken into 1″ sections), x7 garlic cloves (thinly sliced), 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (use more or less depending on your level of heat), 1 cup baby bella mushrooms (cut in quarters), x1 15oz can of whole plum tomatoes, x2 15oz cans of navy or white beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup vegetable stock, olive oil, salt, pepper and grated parmesan for serving.
First, brown the plant based meats. Place a small amount of olive oil into a skillet and heat over medium flame. Add the diced meat, stir to coat and cook until browned. About 5-8 mins. Turn off the heat, remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserving the oil to use in the next step if you would like to add that flavor.
In a medium pot add the oil from the meat browning and another 2 Tbsps olive oil or just 4 Tbsps olive oil over medium heat. Add the quartered mushroom and toss well to coat. Cook for about 8 mins until mushrooms just begin to brown and lose their moisture. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and stur well to combine. Allow to cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 min.
Add in the tomatoes and their juices and with your hands (be careful it is hot!) or with a small paring knife, dice the whole tomatoes into smaller pieces. This can be rough, you just need to break them apart.
The add the beans and the veggie stock along with some salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer and the allow to cook, uncovered, for about 20-30 mins. About 5 mins before the end of cooking into this process use a potato masher to gently mash some of the beans into a paste to thicken the sauce. Stir well and season again if needed.
Turn off the heat and add in the browned plant based meat. Stir well, allow to sit for about 5-10 mins (covered or uncovered) to settle and cool and then serve with grated parmesan in chunky bowls.
Dinner at Our Place 