Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe
If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, let me introduce you to my favorite Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe. This plant-based twist on the classic French stew swaps meat for a beautiful medley of mushrooms and veggies, simmered in rich red wine and aromatic herbs. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to for cozy dinners that impress without the hassle.
Why This Recipe Works
- Umami-packed mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms bring the rich, meaty texture that perfectly mimics classic bourguignon’s beef, boosting flavor without meat.
- Layered slow simmering: The wine, broth, and herbs get plenty of time to meld, creating a deep, comforting stew that warms the soul.
- Simple thickening trick: Using a flour and water slurry thickens the sauce beautifully without clumps or heavy cream.
- Versatile serving: Whether spooned over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, this dish always feels special and satisfying.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe leans on simple, fresh ingredients that balance rich earthiness with bright, savory notes. When shopping, pick quality mushrooms and a red wine you enjoy sipping—that really shines through here.
- Olive oil: Provides the base fat for sautéing and a subtle fruitiness; you can omit if you want oil-free.
- Cremini mushrooms: Their firm texture and earthy flavor make them the star of this stew.
- Carrots: Add a sweet crunch and bright color to balance the richness.
- Sweet onion: Builds depth and sweetness as it softens.
- Garlic: For that unmistakable savory aroma and flavor that enhances everything.
- Red wine (Pinot Noir recommended): Adds acidity and complexity, tenderizing the veggies and helping create that classic bourguignon flavor.
- Vegetable broth: A flavorful liquid base that helps meld all the ingredients together.
- Tomato paste: Provides concentrated umami and slight sweetness to boost richness.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Classic herbs that bring herbal warmth and fragrance.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and brighten the flavors.
- All purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce, but you can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free diets.
- Water: Combined with flour to form the thickening slurry.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe just as is, but sometimes I throw in extra herbs or swap the veggies based on what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to play around — this stew is forgiving and delicious in so many variations.
- Add fresh herbs: I often finish with fresh thyme or parsley for bright freshness that contrasts the deep wine flavors beautifully.
- Spicy twist: A pinch of chili flakes adds a surprising warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Other mushrooms: Portobello or shiitake works well if creminis aren’t available—you’ll get slightly different textures but equally tasty results.
- Gluten-free option: Switching flour for cornstarch thickens perfectly and keeps it safe for gluten sensitivity.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Mushrooms Just Right
Start by grabbing a large pot and heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt. This step is key—let the mushrooms brown nicely without stirring too much for about 8-10 minutes. They’ll release their moisture, then soak up the oil and seasonings, giving you that rich, meaty texture we want. Once browned and softened, scoop them out and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to your pot and then your carrots and diced onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften but still have a little bite. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute—don’t skip this! Garlic burns quickly, so keep stirring and watch the color. This fragrant base sets the stage for the rest of the stew.
Step 3: Build Your Bourguignon Sauce
Pour in the red wine and vegetable broth right into the pot with your veggies. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s flavor gold! Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix and bring it up to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmer gives flavors time to blend beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce & Finish the Stew
In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the flour and water until smooth—that’s your thickener. Pour it into the pot and stir well so your sauce thickens evenly. Now, add the mushrooms back in and cover it again. Let the stew simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. By now, you’ll have a wonderfully thick, flavorful stew that’s begging to be eaten.
Step 5: Serving It Up
I love to serve this Mushroom Bourguignon over creamy mashed potatoes—like my Best Dang Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe—but it’s equally delicious over rice or pasta. Spoon a generous ladle onto the plate and maybe add a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last drop.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms: Sauté them in a single layer to get that beautiful browning instead of steaming.
- Use quality wine: Pick a wine you’d enjoy drinking—the flavor will concentrate as it cooks.
- Simmer low and slow: Keep the heat gentle to let flavors develop without drying out the veggies.
- Thicken gradually: Mix the flour with water first to avoid lumps and add little by little, stirring constantly.
How to Serve Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love sprinkling fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a lovely pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a dollop of vegan sour cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze amps up the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my go-to for serving with this Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe, but if you’re feeling adventurous, creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles are fantastic partners. A simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts add freshness and crunch on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots or toasted walnuts—it makes the meal feel a bit more upscale but is super easy to do. You could also turn it into a hearty pot pie by topping with puff pastry and baking until golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Mushroom Bourguignon in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen after resting overnight, so leftovers are honestly even better the next day—just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
This stew freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawing, I recommend transferring overnight to the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the mushroom bourguignon over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickened up too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid using high heat, which can dry it out or burn the sauce.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of mushrooms for Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are perfect for their texture and flavor, you can substitute with portobello, shiitake, or even a mix for more complexity. Just adjust cooking times slightly since some mushrooms release more moisture.
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Is the red wine necessary in this Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe?
Wine is key to achieving that authentic depth and slight acidity in bourguignon. However, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the wine with extra vegetable broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
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How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when making the thickening slurry. It works just as well and keeps the sauce smooth and luscious.
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Can I prepare the Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. You can make it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly day—rich in flavor, easy to make, and so satisfying. I know once you try this, it’ll become one of your favorite dinners to make when you want something special but fuss-free. Cook it for yourself, your friends, or that special someone, and watch everyone fall in love with the magic of mushrooms and red wine. Seriously, give it a go—you won’t regret it!
Print
Mushroom Bourguignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Mushroom Bourguignon is a rich, flavorful vegan stew made with hearty cremini mushrooms, carrots, onions, and a robust red wine sauce thickened with flour. Perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish offers a comforting and elegant meal that’s ideal for dinner.
Ingredients
Mushroom Bourguignon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 5 large carrots, peeled and sliced into large chunks
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups quality red wine (e.g., Pinot Noir)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- few shakes black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water
Serving Suggestion
- 1 Recipe Best Dang Vegan Mashed Potatoes or serve with rice or pasta
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, then add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 10 minutes until browned and softened. Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the peeled and chunked carrots along with the diced sweet onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until they begin to soften, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the red wine and vegetable broth into the pot with the cooked vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the all purpose flour with 1/3 cup of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering pot to thicken the sauce, stirring well to avoid lumps.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the sautéed mushrooms to the pot, stir to combine all ingredients. Cover again and simmer for another 15 minutes until the stew thickens further. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Prepare vegan mashed potatoes or your choice of rice or pasta. Spoon a generous serving of mushroom bourguignon over the mashed potatoes in bowls. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Nutritional information is approximate and does not include the mashed potatoes, only the mushroom bourguignon mixture.
- Cremini mushrooms give a rich flavor, but portabello or porcini mushrooms can be used as alternatives.
- To make this gluten free, substitute all purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten free flour blend.
- For an oil-free option, omit the olive oil as mushrooms release sufficient moisture and oils during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
