Chabad Vegetarian Cholent Recipe for a Hearty Shabbat Meal

Cholent is a traditional Jewish slow-cooked stew, beloved for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients that warm the soul, especially on Shabbat. While classic cholent often features meat, the Chabad vegetarian cholent offers a delicious and wholesome alternative that maintains all the comforting essence of this iconic dish.

This meat-free version is packed with protein-rich beans, wholesome grains, and a medley of vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection, making it an ideal centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday meal.

Whether you’re vegetarian, looking to reduce meat consumption, or just eager to try a new take on an old favorite, this recipe is sure to satisfy and impress.

Cooking cholent the Chabad way involves patience and love, letting the ingredients meld slowly overnight to develop deep flavors with minimal effort. The subtle spices and natural sweetness from the vegetables create a perfect balance, making this vegetarian cholent a standout dish.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, ensuring that even busy cooks can enjoy the tradition of cholent without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chabad vegetarian cholent recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it offers a rich, comforting flavor profile that mimics the classic stew without the use of meat.

The combination of beans, barley, and vegetables creates a hearty texture that is both filling and nutritious.

Slow-cooking the cholent overnight not only enhances the flavors but also means you can prepare it ahead of time and come home to a ready-made, piping hot meal. It’s perfect for Shabbat or any cozy weekend gathering.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you substitute the barley with gluten-free grains, making it accessible for various dietary needs.

Finally, this recipe embraces the spirit of tradition while catering to modern palates — a delicious homage to heritage with a vegetarian twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight
• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 dried kishka casings or vegetarian kishka (optional)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Equipment

• Slow cooker or crockpot (ideally with a warm setting)
• Large mixing bowl for soaking beans
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Large pot (optional, if pre-cooking beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: The night before, soak the kidney beans and chickpeas in separate bowls with plenty of water. Let them soak overnight to soften.
2. Drain and rinse: In the morning, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. Optionally, you can parboil the beans for 10 minutes to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
3. Prepare vegetables: Peel and cube the potatoes, chop the carrots and onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
4. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5. Mix ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the soaked beans, barley, potatoes, carrots, sautéed onion and garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and tomato paste.
6. Add liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth or water until the mixture is just covered, about 4 cups. Stir gently.
7. Add kishka (optional): If using vegetarian kishka, place it on top of the cholent mixture. This adds authentic flavor and texture.
8. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 12 to 18 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the beans to become tender without breaking apart.
9. Check seasoning: About 30 minutes before serving, check the cholent and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve hot: Ladle the cholent into bowls, ensuring you get a bit of everything—beans, vegetables, and kishka.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free version of this cholent, simply replace the pearl barley with quinoa or additional beans. You can also experiment with adding mushrooms for an earthy depth or sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.”

Soaking beans ahead of time is crucial for a tender cholent, but if you’re short on time, canned beans can be used—just reduce the cooking time accordingly. For even richer flavor, try adding a smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.

Vegetarian kishka can often be found in specialty kosher stores, but if unavailable, feel free to omit it or add chunks of seitan or tempeh for protein.

Don’t hesitate to add other root vegetables like turnips or parsnips to customize your cholent. This dish is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to your pantry staples.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cholent is traditionally served as a main dish along with fresh challah or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

Consider serving it alongside Honey Raisin Challah for the perfect Shabbat table. For a lighter side, roasted seasonal vegetables or steamed greens complement the richness of the cholent beautifully.

If you enjoy experimenting with dips, try our Halibut Dip Recipe as a starter to balance the hearty stew with a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Conclusion

This Chabad vegetarian cholent recipe is a heartwarming tribute to tradition with a modern, meat-free twist. It combines wholesome ingredients and slow-cooked goodness to create a stew that’s not only hearty and nutritious but also packed with deep, comforting flavors.

Whether you’re observing Shabbat or simply craving a nourishing meal, this cholent is a perfect choice that brings family and friends together around the table.

Its adaptability and ease of preparation make it an excellent recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Soak your beans, set your slow cooker, and wake up to a fragrant, delicious meal that honors heritage and celebrates vegetarian cooking.

For more comforting recipes, check out our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or try a sweet treat like the Lemon Straws Recipe to round out your meal.

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