Vegan Cholent Recipe​

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort of a traditional Jewish cholent with a delicious vegan twist! This vegan cholent recipe is a hearty, slow-cooked stew that captures the rich flavors and comforting textures of the original dish without any meat. Packed with a colorful variety of vegetables, legumes, and hearty grains, each bite is infused with smoky spices, a subtle sweetness, and a deep, earthy richness that makes it both filling and satisfying.

Perfect for a cozy weekend meal, this cholent simmers slowly, allowing all the ingredients—tender potatoes, creamy beans, chewy barley, and fragrant herbs—to meld together into a mouthwatering, soul-warming stew. Imagine tucking into a bowl of this warm, nourishing cholent with its thick, savory broth and layers of flavor that only get better over time.

Whether you’re making it for Shabbat or simply craving a comforting, plant-based meal, this vegan cholent delivers on both tradition and taste. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let the slow cooker do its magic for a stew that brings everyone back for seconds!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium parsnip, diced
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup pearl barley (or quinoa for gluten-free)
• 1 can (15 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Remaining Vegetables:

• Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, parsnip, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.

Combine Ingredients:

• Stir in the pearl barley (or quinoa), baked beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine.

Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, add more vegetable broth as needed.

Season and Serve:

• Once the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Cooking Tips

• For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours.
• Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• This dish can be made ahead of time; it often tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

Here are some creative ideas and tips to enhance your vegan cholent, including ingredient substitutions for gluten-free options, flavor enhancements, and variations using an Instant Pot.

Creative Ways to Spice Up Vegan Cholent

1. Add Unique Spices:

• Experiment with spices like cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
• Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.

1. Incorporate Fresh Herbs:

• Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley during cooking or as a garnish to brighten the dish.

1. Use Different Legumes:

• Mix in various legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, or even black beans for different textures and flavors.

1. Add Umami Ingredients:

• Include ingredients like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami taste.

1. Sweet Elements:

• A tablespoon of maple syrup or a few dried fruits (like apricots or raisins) can add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.

Gluten-Free Substitutions

• Replace traditional barley with quinoa, buckwheat, or brown rice to make the cholent gluten-free. These grains provide similar texture without gluten.
• Ensure that any canned beans used are labeled gluten-free, as some canned products may have cross-contamination.

Making Vegan Cholent More Flavorful

• Use a mix of vegetable broth and water instead of just water for cooking to infuse more flavor.
• Sauté the onions and garlic until caramelized before adding them to the pot, which enhances their sweetness and depth.
• Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari for an additional layer of flavor.

Instant Pot Vegan Cholent Recipe

Using an Instant Pot can significantly reduce cooking time while still allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s a simple method:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 cups mixed beans (like chickpeas and kidney beans)
• 1 cup quinoa (or other gluten-free grain)
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
• Spices: salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and bay leaf

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, then sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add all remaining ingredients to the pot. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 30 minutes.
4. Once done, allow natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
5. Stir well before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

Traditional Jewish Dishes Adapted to Vegan Cholent

1. Vegan Kugel: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce in traditional kugel recipes.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Use quinoa or rice mixed with vegetables and spices instead of meat.
3. Challah Bread: Make a vegan version using plant-based milk and egg substitutes.
4. Tzimmes: A sweet carrot and sweet potato stew that can easily be made vegan by omitting honey and using maple syrup instead.

These adaptations not only maintain the spirit of traditional Jewish dishes but also cater to modern dietary preferences while enhancing your cholent experience!

Enjoy this comforting vegan cholent as a perfect meal for Shabbat or any cozy gathering!