If there’s an ingredient that can instantly elevate a vegan meal from simple to sublime, it’s the mighty porcini mushroom. With their woodsy aroma, deep umami richness, and meaty texture, porcini mushrooms are a beloved favorite amongst chefs and home cooks alike.
Whether fresh or dried, they can transform risottos, stews, and pastas into comforting, gourmet experiences. Vegan cooking, in particular, benefits from their hearty flavor, making them perfect for plant-based dishes that don’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
In this post, I’ll share the best vegan porcini mushroom recipes that showcase their incredible versatility. From a creamy risotto to a rustic stew, and an earthy pasta, each recipe is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ready to bring a touch of forest magic to your table? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Porcini mushrooms are often described as the “king of mushrooms,” and for good reason. They impart a depth of flavor that’s hard to rival.
These vegan porcini mushroom recipes are:
- Hearty and Filling: Thanks to the meaty texture of porcinis, every dish feels satisfying and substantial.
- Rich in Umami: Porcinis add an earthy, savory punch that elevates all the other ingredients.
- Simple and Elegant: Each recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a dinner party.
- Whole Food Plant-Based: Everything is vegan, and many recipes are gluten-free or easily adaptable.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These dishes taste even better the next day, making them ideal for leftovers.
“Porcini mushrooms are a secret weapon in the vegan kitchen. Their bold flavor profile transforms even the simplest dishes.”
Ingredients
Below is a table summarizing the ingredients for our top three vegan porcini mushroom recipes: Vegan Porcini Risotto, Porcini Mushroom & White Bean Stew, and Creamy Porcini Pasta.
Ingredient | Risotto | Stew | Pasta |
---|---|---|---|
Dried porcini mushrooms | 1 oz (28g) | 1 oz (28g) | 1 oz (28g) |
Fresh cremini or button mushrooms | 8 oz (225g) | 8 oz (225g) | 8 oz (225g) |
Arborio rice | 1 1/2 cups | – | – |
Short pasta (penne/fusilli) | – | – | 12 oz (340g) |
Cannellini beans | – | 1 (15oz) can | – |
Onion | 1, diced | 1, diced | 1, diced |
Garlic cloves | 3, minced | 3, minced | 3, minced |
Vegetable broth | 5 cups | 4 cups | 2 cups |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 2 tbsp |
Thyme (fresh or dried) | 1 tsp | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
White wine (optional) | 1/3 cup | – | – |
Vegan cream (coconut or oat) | – | – | 1/2 cup |
Salt & pepper | to taste | to taste | to taste |
Fresh parsley | for garnish | for garnish | for garnish |
All recipes use similar core ingredients, so you can easily batch-prep for the week!
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer or sieve
- Stockpot (for stew and pasta)
- Ladle (for risotto)
Instructions
Vegan Porcini Mushroom Risotto
- Rehydrate the porcini mushrooms: Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover with 2 cups of hot water. Soak for 20 minutes. Strain, reserving the soaking liquid, and chop the mushrooms.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add mushrooms: Add the chopped porcini and fresh mushrooms. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Pour in the optional white wine and let it evaporate.
- Add broth gradually: Mix the reserved porcini soaking liquid with vegetable broth to make 5 cups. Add one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
- Season: Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley before serving.
Porcini Mushroom & White Bean Stew
- Prepare the mushrooms: Rehydrate and chop the dried porcini as above. Reserve the soaking liquid.
- Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in a stockpot, add onion and garlic, and cook until soft. Add fresh and chopped porcini mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes.
- Add beans and broth: Add cannellini beans, reserved soaking liquid, and vegetable broth. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. The stew should thicken and the flavors meld.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Creamy Vegan Porcini Pasta
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Prepare mushrooms: Rehydrate and chop the dried porcini as above. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, then add mushrooms and cook until golden.
- Make the sauce: Add porcini soaking liquid and vegetable broth to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in vegan cream and simmer until thickened. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips & Variations
- Use quality dried porcini: The mushrooms are the star, so invest in good-quality dried porcinis for the best flavor.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale to the risotto or stew for extra nutrients and color.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta for the creamy pasta dish, or try rice in the stew for a hearty alternative.
- Boost the umami: Add a splash of tamari or a teaspoon of white miso paste for even deeper flavor.
- Meal prep: All recipes keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully.
“Don’t discard the porcini soaking liquid! It’s loaded with umami and forms the base of your broth.”
Nutrition Facts
- Prepare the mushrooms: Rehydrate and chop the dried porcini as above. Reserve the soaking liquid.
- Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in a stockpot, add onion and garlic, and cook until soft. Add fresh and chopped porcini mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes.
- Add beans and broth: Add cannellini beans, reserved soaking liquid, and vegetable broth. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. The stew should thicken and the flavors meld.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Creamy Vegan Porcini Pasta
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Prepare mushrooms: Rehydrate and chop the dried porcini as above. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, then add mushrooms and cook until golden.
- Make the sauce: Add porcini soaking liquid and vegetable broth to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in vegan cream and simmer until thickened. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips & Variations
- Use quality dried porcini: The mushrooms are the star, so invest in good-quality dried porcinis for the best flavor.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale to the risotto or stew for extra nutrients and color.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta for the creamy pasta dish, or try rice in the stew for a hearty alternative.
- Boost the umami: Add a splash of tamari or a teaspoon of white miso paste for even deeper flavor.
- Meal prep: All recipes keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully.
“Don’t discard the porcini soaking liquid! It’s loaded with umami and forms the base of your broth.”
Nutrition Facts
“Don’t discard the porcini soaking liquid! It’s loaded with umami and forms the base of your broth.”
Here’s a general nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings per recipe):
Recipe | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Porcini Risotto | 330 | 8g | 8g | 60g | 3g |
Porcini Bean Stew | 290 | 11g | 6g | 48g | 8g |
Creamy Porcini Pasta | 380 | 9g | 11g | 62g | 4g |
Note: Actual nutrition may vary based on brands and serving sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the risotto with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
- Pair the porcini bean stew with toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread for dipping.
- Top the creamy porcini pasta with toasted pine nuts and vegan parmesan for extra flair.
- Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
- For a festive touch, serve as a starter at a holiday dinner or plant-based celebration.
“These recipes are perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without fuss.”
Conclusion
Porcini mushrooms have a way of making any meal feel special. These vegan porcini mushroom recipes are not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a curious foodie, or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, you’ll find something to love here.
For more inspiration, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe, indulge in a sweet treat with the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe, or get cozy with a bowl of Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe (which can be adapted vegan!).
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the rich aroma of porcini mushrooms soon!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Porcini Mushroom Risotto
Description: Creamy, rich, and packed with umami, this vegan porcini mushroom risotto is a comforting Italian classic. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it highlights the deep flavor of dried porcini mushrooms.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 oz dried porcini mushrooms
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak porcini mushrooms in 1 cup hot water for 15 minutes, then drain and chop.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add Arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and cook until absorbed.
- Add chopped porcini mushrooms.
- Gradually add warm vegetable broth, stirring often, until rice is creamy and cooked.
- Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
- Serve topped with fresh parsley.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 54 g
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