Vegetarian Cholent Recipe for a Hearty, Flavorful Meal

Cholent is a beloved traditional Jewish stew, slow-cooked to perfection overnight, making it a staple for Sabbath meals. Traditionally, cholent includes meat, but this vegetarian cholent recipe offers a hearty, flavorful alternative that doesn’t compromise on comfort or depth.

Packed with beans, root vegetables, and rich spices, this dish is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a warming, plant-based meal that captures the essence of slow-cooked goodness. Whether you’re observing dietary restrictions or simply exploring new vegetarian dishes, this cholent brings a satisfying blend of textures and flavors to your table.

Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a stew that’s not only nourishing but also bursting with savory, earthy notes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

Dive into this vegetarian cholent recipe and discover how simple ingredients can transform into a soul-warming meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian cholent is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, offering a plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Hearty and Filling: With a variety of beans, potatoes, and barley, it’s packed with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.
• Rich Flavor Profile: Slow cooking enhances the spices and vegetables, creating deep, complex flavors without the need for meat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and let it cook overnight for a stress-free meal ready when you are.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily modify the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for All Seasons: Enjoy it as a warming winter stew or a comforting year-round dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried kidney beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup dried mushrooms, soaked in warm water
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Equipment

• Large slow cooker or crockpot
• Large mixing bowl (for soaking beans)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large skillet (optional, for sautéing onions and garlic)
• Colander (for draining soaked beans and mushrooms)

Instructions

1. Soak the Beans and Chickpeas: The night before, place kidney beans and chickpeas in a large bowl, cover with water, and let soak overnight. This softens them for slow cooking and reduces cooking time.
2. Prepare the Dried Mushrooms: Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes until soft. Drain, chop if large, and reserve the soaking liquid.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step deepens the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
4. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Drain soaked beans and chickpeas and add them to the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, chopped potatoes, carrots, sweet potato, pearl barley, chopped mushrooms, and tomato paste.
5. Add Spices and Broth: Sprinkle paprika, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and salt over the ingredients. Pour in the vegetable broth plus the reserved mushroom soaking liquid (strained to remove grit). Stir gently to combine everything.
6. Add Bay Leaves and Brown Sugar: Tuck the bay leaves into the mixture and sprinkle brown sugar over the top if using. This adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity from the tomato paste.
7. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 6-8 hours. The longer cooking time allows flavors to fully develop and the beans to become tender.
8. Check and Adjust Seasoning: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
9. Serve Warm: Ladle the cholent into bowls, making sure to get a good mix of beans, vegetables, and broth.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari to the broth before cooking.”

• Beans Variety: Feel free to swap kidney beans and chickpeas with navy beans, black beans, or white beans for different textures and flavors.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add parsnips, turnips, or even cubed pumpkin for a seasonal twist.
• Spice Adjustments: Increase smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or add chili powder for a subtle heat.
• Slow Cooker Alternatives: This recipe can also be cooked in a heavy pot on very low heat in the oven for 8-10 hours, covered.
• Make It Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian cholent is a hearty dish best enjoyed as a main course. Serve it with warm crusty bread or challah for soaking up the rich broth.

A side of crisp green salad or steamed greens adds freshness to the meal. For a creamy contrast, consider pairing it with a dollop of vegan béchamel sauce or a simple tahini drizzle.

Leftovers make an excellent filling for baked potatoes or as a topping for grain bowls.

For more vegetarian comfort food ideas, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker or try the delightful Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert after this warming meal.

Conclusion

This vegetarian cholent recipe is a wonderful addition to any home cook’s repertoire. It brings the tradition of slow-cooked Sabbath stew into a plant-based realm, offering a dish that’s rich in flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits.

The ease of preparation combined with the rewarding taste makes it a perfect choice for busy families or anyone seeking comforting vegetarian meals. With its wholesome beans, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices, this cholent is sure to warm your heart and nourish your body.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a seasoned plant-based foodie, this recipe invites you to explore the magic of slow cooking and the beautiful complexity it brings to simple ingredients. For more creative vegetarian dishes, don’t forget to explore our collection of Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals — perfect for expanding your culinary horizons with spices and fresh vegetables.

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