Vegan Mushroom Gulas in Roasted Pepper Sauce – A Hearty, Flavorful Plant-Based Stew
Discover a delicious vegan twist on traditional gulas with this savory mushroom stew simmered in a rich roasted red pepper sauce. Combining a mix of fresh and frozen mushrooms with aromatic herbs and a smoky paprika-infused sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting, meat-free meal. Serve it alongside creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a fulfilling experience.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2
Ingredients
Mushrooms:
- 600 g mixed mushrooms (e.g., 200 g fresh champignon, 200 g frozen porcini, 200 g frozen honey mushrooms)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 small sprig rosemary
- 1 small sprig thyme
- 5 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Gulas Sauce:
- 1 red bell pepper (about 150 g), roasted or raw
- 1/2 small onion (approx. 15 g), chopped
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar cream
- Pinch of sugar
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare Mushrooms
- If using frozen mushrooms, place them in a large skillet over medium heat and thaw completely.
- Drain any released liquid by pressing the mushrooms gently; reserve the liquid. Measure the liquid and add water as needed to reach 300 ml total.
- Clean fresh mushrooms by wiping with a paper towel, trim stems, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Gulas Sauce
- Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté chopped onion, sliced garlic, and diced red pepper for about 5 minutes until onions soften.
- Stir in tomato paste and balsamic cream vinegar; sauté for 1 more minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in sweet paprika (add hot and smoked paprika optionally) and sugar.
- Pour in reserved mushroom liquid (or 300 ml water if not using frozen mushrooms) and season with a pinch of salt.
- Simmer gently over low heat for 25 minutes.
- Blend the sauce until smooth, then strain through a fine sieve for a silky texture.
3. Cook Mushrooms
- Heat oil in a wide pot and sauté fresh mushrooms over high heat until they start to brown.
- Add thawed mushrooms and sauté together for 2-3 minutes.
- Add sliced garlic, herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley stems), salt, and pepper; cook for 1 more minute.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Pour the prepared gulas sauce over the mushrooms and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
- Remove herb sprigs, adjust salt to taste, and stir in chopped parsley leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with creamy polenta (mamaliga) or mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
💡 Tips
- Use a combination of fresh and frozen mushrooms for depth of flavor and texture.
- Roasting the red pepper before use adds a smoky sweetness, enhancing the sauce.
- Adjust paprika types to customize spiciness and smokiness.
- Straining the sauce creates a smooth, velvety finish perfect for this stew.
🎉 Perfect For
- Vegan and vegetarian meals
- Comfort food during chilly days
- Flavorful, healthy dinner options
📝 Final Thoughts
This vegan mushroom gulas transforms humble ingredients into a rich, aromatic stew full of smoky paprika and herbaceous notes. The creamy, pepper-infused sauce pairs perfectly with earthy mushrooms for a satisfying, plant-based dish ideal for any cozy dinner.