Mushroom Stew

Mushroom Stew

6 servings
This is a German-style mushroom goulash, and while it's meant to be vegetarian, you can use bacon fat to cook things in and it'll be great. For a vegan option, use oil instead of butter and skip the sour cream.

Ingredients

  • butter or oil or bacon fat
    4 tbsp
  • onion

    sliced thin

    1
  • mushrooms)

    (see note below

    2 ½ lb
  • salt
  • garlic

    chopped

    2 cloves
  • cider vinegar
    ¼ c
  • broth)

    (vegetable, mushroom, meat

    1 quart
  • sauerkraut

    drained and rinsed

    2 c
  • paprika
    4 tbsp
  • chopped fresh parsley
    ¼ c
  • black pepper and sour cream
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and saute until the onions are nicely browned, about 6 minutes. This is a high-heat saute, so brown edges, not a caramelization.

  2. 2

    Chop or tear the mushrooms into pieces you'd want to eat with a spoon, remembering that mushrooms shrink dramatically once cooked. Leave small, pretty ones like tiny chanterelles or morels whole. Add them to the pot, stir well and salt everything. Let this cook, stirring often, until you get some browning on the mushrooms.

  3. 3

    Stir in the garlic, cook another minute or two, then add the cider vinegar and broth. Make sure the mushrooms are covered, but this is a fairly thick stew, not a thin soup, so you don't need a ton of broth. Add water if you need it to cover the mushrooms. Simmer this for 20 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add the sauerkraut and paprika, mix well, and add salt if needed. Cook another 10 minutes. Add the parsley and black pepper and serve with sour cream at the table.

Mushroom Stew

Mushroom Stew

75 min6 servings168 cal

Similar Recipes

Hearty Mushroom Stew Recipe

Hearty Mushroom Stew Recipe

Whether you eat a plant-based diet or not, this hearty mushroom stew that uses 3 different types of mushrooms will easily become a go-to favorite.

55 minutes4 servings217 kcal
German Rabbit Stew

German Rabbit Stew

Chicken thighs would work well here, too, as would pheasant. There is another version of this stew in Germany that uses veal, too. It is a two-step stew, meaning you make the base and "mount" it with sour cream, white wine and capers right at the end. Once you add those final ingredients you are committed, so if you want to make this for dinners or lunches for the week, store just the base (up to Step 4) and add the remaining ingredients when you want to eat.

2.5 hours4 servings
Hearty Lentil Stew

Hearty Lentil Stew

This tasty lentil stew is packed with hearty flavor and loaded with plant based protein. Perfect for a simple lunch or dinner!

45 minutes4 servings
Mushroom Stroganoff (Vegetarian)

Mushroom Stroganoff (Vegetarian)

This vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff recipe is quick and easy to make in about 30 minutes, and it is perfectly comforting, hearty, savory, and delicious.  Feel free to serve over egg noodles, traditional pasta, quinoa, veggies, or whatever sounds delicious.

30 minutes4 servings
Hearty Vegetable Stew

Hearty Vegetable Stew

A Hearty Vegetable Stew chock full of healthy starches, veggies, mushrooms, and a rich savory broth. Paired with a thick slice of homemade bread - perfect.

12 servings
Vegan Dumpling Stew

Vegan Dumpling Stew

This dumpling stew is the perfect hearty plant-based dinner filled with fresh vegetables, cannellini beans, and fluffy homemade dumplings!

60 minutes4 servings
Classic Beef Stew

Classic Beef Stew

It's hard to say what's better, the aroma or the taste of this homemade beef stew. Our recipe is loaded with potatoes, meat and spices and is a savory dish your family will ask for again and again. It takes just four simple steps to make and only one bite for our beef stew to transport you to a cozy pub in the British Isles. If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, our beef stew with potatoes makes for a wonderful lunch. Should you only have one serving left, there's no shame in hiding it in the back of the fridge. This way, only you know where to find it. We would do the same!

3.8 hours4 servings350 kcal
Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stew

Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stew

A hearty winter meal that is high in fiber, gluten-free and has a low glycemic index.

120 minutes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a deeply flavorful and comforting meal that feels both hearty and wholesome? This German-style Mushroom Stew delivers rich, earthy flavors that will warm you from the inside out, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

This Mushroom Stew shines by focusing on the incredible umami of mushrooms, beautifully balanced by the bright tang of cider vinegar and sauerkraut. Its genius lies in its flexibility: you can create a truly vegetarian dish, opt for a richer, almost goulash-like flavor with bacon fat, or easily adapt it to be fully vegan by using oil and skipping the sour cream. The generous amount of paprika infuses the stew with a warm, complex spice that ties all the elements together.

What to Expect

Prepare for a luxuriously thick and savory stew, packed with tender, robust mushrooms. Each spoonful offers a delightful interplay of earthy notes, brightened by the acidity of the vinegar and the gentle crunch of the sauerkraut, which softens beautifully into the sauce. The fresh parsley adds a vibrant finish, while a dollop of sour cream (if you choose) brings a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the rich paprika. It’s a wonderfully satisfying dish that feels substantial without being heavy.

Customization & Variations

This stew is incredibly adaptable to your preferences. You can choose between butter, oil, or bacon fat for cooking, each imparting a distinct flavor profile. For a vegan version, be sure to use oil instead of butter and omit the sour cream garnish. Experiment with different types of broth—vegetable, mushroom, or meat broth—to achieve varying depths of flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste, and remember that fresh parsley is key for that pop of freshness.

Serving & Context

Serve this hearty Mushroom Stew as a comforting lunch or a fulfilling main course. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the savory sauce, making for a truly satisfying meal on a chilly day.

Frequently Asked Questions