This hearty stew includes large chunks of potato, carrot, celery, and onion, and portabella
mushrooms stand in for the beef. Garlic, paprika, and fresh rosemary provide excellent flavor. This is one of my most popular recipes–especially with husbands!

BEEFLESS STEW

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ large yellow or white onions, chopped into ¾-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
• 3 medium carrots, sliced lengthwise and cut into ¾-inch pieces (about 2¼ cups)
• 3 ribs celery, cut into ¾-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium portabella mushrooms, cut into ¾-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
• 1½ tablespoon finely chopped garlic (about 6 medium cloves)
• 5 cups water
• 2 pounds white potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch chunks (about 6 cups)
• ⅓ cup tomato paste (half of a 6-ounce can)
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1½ cups cooked peas (if frozen, rinse under warm water)
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of water in a soup pot over medium-high heat. When the water starts to sputter, add the onions, carrots, and celery, and and cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes, adding water as needed.
2. Stir in the mushrooms and garlic, and continue to cook while stirring for 5 minutes more, adding water as needed.
3. Add the 5 cups of water, potatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and paprika, and bring to a boil, uncovered. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the rosemary. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the carrots and potatoes are very tender.
4. Add the peas and cook for 5 minutes more.
5. Place 2 cups of the stew (broth and vegetables) into a blender, and blend just briefly. Stir the mixture back into the pot to thicken the stew. Stir in the parsley.

NOTES

Peeling the potatoes: I like to peel my potatoes before cooking them, but you can also leave the skins on.

Fresh rosemary: Fresh rosemary is wonderful in this stew, but if you only have dried, use ½ teaspoon.

In the Instant Pot: I put everything in on manual, high pressure for 9 mins (then let naturally pressure release; takes about 10-15 mins), except the parsley and peas (add those when done; they don’t need to cook, just warm). I also cut the slower cooking, denser veggies (potato, carrots) a little smaller than the faster cooking veggies (onions, celery, mushrooms), which can be bigger. Then proceed with step 5 if desired.

http://www.straightupfood.com/blog/2015/06/07/beefless-stew/