Beans Bourguignon is a delightful plant-based twist on the classic French stew. The combination of tender beans, earthy mushrooms, and a rich red wine sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfectly suited for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe showcases how plant-based eating can be indulgent and flavorful. Whether you’re embracing a vegan lifestyle or simply looking for a hearty meatless option, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying meal. Its deep flavors and vibrant presentation will make it a staple in your repertoire.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups canned cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups cremini mushrooms, quartered
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the beans and mushrooms. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Beans Bourguignon: A Modern Twist on a Classic French Stew
Beans Bourguignon is a plant-based reimagining of the classic French dish, Boeuf Bourguignon. Traditionally, this dish consists of beef braised in red wine with vegetables, garlic, and herbs. However, in recent years, plant-based eating has inspired creative reinterpretations of classic recipes, leading to delicious alternatives like this vegan version. By replacing meat with hearty beans and mushrooms, this dish retains its rich, savory essence while offering a healthier and more sustainable option.
The Inspiration Behind Beans Bourguignon
The original Boeuf Bourguignon hails from the Burgundy region of France, renowned for its wine and gastronomy. This dish was traditionally a peasant meal, designed to use affordable cuts of beef that were slow-cooked in wine to tenderize and infuse them with flavor. Over time, it became a staple of French cuisine, celebrated for its luxurious depth and comforting taste.
Beans Bourguignon pays homage to these roots by keeping the signature red wine sauce but making it more inclusive for those who avoid animal products or are looking for lighter meal options. Cannellini or navy beans are the stars here, complemented by mushrooms, carrots, celery, and herbs for a dish that’s just as satisfying as the original.
Why Choose Beans Bourguignon?
- Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Beans Bourguignon is a powerhouse of plant-based protein, thanks to the inclusion of cannellini or navy beans. These legumes are not only protein-rich but also high in dietary fiber, keeping you full and energized. - Low in Saturated Fat
Unlike the traditional beef version, this vegan alternative is naturally low in saturated fats, making it heart-healthy while still offering a rich and indulgent taste. - Loaded with Nutrients
This recipe features a medley of vegetables like carrots, celery, and mushrooms, each adding a variety of vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms, in particular, are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin D, while carrots and celery provide vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. - Easy on Digestion
The fiber content in beans and vegetables promotes healthy digestion and supports gut health. Additionally, the lack of heavy meats makes this dish lighter on the stomach without sacrificing flavor. - Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Choosing plant-based meals helps reduce your environmental footprint. Beans and mushrooms require significantly fewer resources to produce compared to meat, making this dish an environmentally conscious choice.
What Makes Beans Bourguignon Special?
- Depth of Flavor
The red wine, combined with garlic, thyme, and a hint of soy sauce, creates a luxurious and deep flavor profile. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and complex. - Versatility
Beans Bourguignon is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even a bed of rice. For a lighter option, pair it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. It’s also easy to customize by adding seasonal vegetables like parsnips or turnips. - Accessible Ingredients
All the ingredients in Beans Bourguignon are pantry staples or easily available in most grocery stores. This accessibility makes it an excellent recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions. - Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen further. It’s an ideal recipe for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
- Cannellini/Navy Beans: High in protein, fiber, and iron, these beans help maintain energy levels and support overall health. They also contain folate and magnesium, which are essential for heart health.
- Mushrooms: Known for their umami flavor, mushrooms are low in calories but rich in nutrients like selenium, potassium, and B vitamins. They add a meaty texture to this dish, making it satisfying and hearty.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables are rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins like A and C. They contribute to immune health and add natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Red Wine: Used in moderation, red wine adds a depth of flavor and contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which support heart health.
- Herbs (Thyme and Bay Leaf): Fresh herbs enhance the aroma and taste of the dish while providing additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tips for the Best Beans Bourguignon
- Use Quality Red Wine
Choose a dry red wine that you would enjoy drinking. The wine’s flavor directly impacts the richness of the sauce, so opt for varieties like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. - Simmer for Flavor
Allow the dish to simmer gently, giving the beans and mushrooms time to absorb the flavors of the wine and herbs. This slow cooking process is key to achieving the dish’s signature depth of flavor. - Customize to Taste
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap in different beans, such as chickpeas or black beans. For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream before serving. - Garnish Generously
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and color to the dish, making it even more visually appealing and flavorful.
Occasions to Serve Beans Bourguignon
Beans Bourguignon is versatile enough for any occasion. It’s hearty and comforting on a cold winter evening but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a cozy date night or prepare it for your weekly meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. This dish also makes a fantastic centerpiece for vegan or vegetarian holiday feasts, offering a rich and satisfying alternative to meat-based mains.
Conclusion
Beans Bourguignon is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of how plant-based cooking can be both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring meatless options, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its robust flavors, health benefits, and beautiful presentation. Give it a try, and you’ll discover why this updated classic has become a favorite for so many home cooks around the world.
