Name: Mushroom, Tomato and White Bean Ragout
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds mushrooms (, any kind (or 6 ounces dried and reconstituted; see package directions)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 leeks (, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced); 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes; 1 14.5-ounce can white beans (, such as cannellini or small White Northern beans); 1 tablespoon tarragon (or 1 teaspoon dried); Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 teaspoons harissa paste ((optional; see Note)); 2 tablespoons heavy cream (, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt (optional)); Chopped fresh parsley (to garnish)

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I am always looking for substantial vegetarian dishes that can serve a both a main and a side. My mom and my sister are vegetarians, and so while many of my dinners do include meat of some sort (my boys and husband are decidedly NOT vegetarians) I want them to feel like they aren’t just eating side dishes as a meal, but rather getting something with substance to anchor the plate.

Spatula stirring a pan of Mushroom, Tomato and White Bean Ragout.

This vegetarian dish may not win any beauty pageants but if you are a mushroom lover, than this should scratch that itch perfectly. This could easily be a vegan main course, if you skip the small amount of optional cream. It’s a great dish to remember during the holidays when you need a meat free option (also see dozens more vegan recipes for Thanksgiving and the holidays!).

Serve this over rice or polenta or pasta. And this also would be a terrific side alongside a steak or piece of roasted or grilled salmon, or some chicken. Or maybe even heaped on a burger.

A ragout is basically just another name for stew, and usually (like most stews) it has meat involved, but I am using the word loosely here.

Fresh vs. Dried Mushrooms

You can use fresh or dried mushrooms in this recipe. You’ll notice that this calls for either 2 pounds of fresh mushrooms, or 6 ounces of dried, and that may seem like a very big difference in weight. It is a very big difference in weight.

Mushroom, Tomato and White Bean Ragout on a white plate.

Mushrooms are actually made up of mostly water, so when mushrooms are dried they end up being extremely light, and get bulkier and heavier when they are reconstituted in water. You can use any mushrooms you like, from button mushrooms (cheap and accessible) to any type of wild mushrooms, or a mix.

Cooking with Dried Mushrooms

They may look like little unappealing shriveled up nuggets, but dried mushrooms are quite simply mushrooms that are dehydrated, or dried. As they dry, the flavor of dried mushrooms becomes concentrated and intense. When they are rehydrated they have a meatier texture than fresh.

Unlike fresh mushrooms, dried mushrooms do not need to be refrigerated, and they have a longer shelf life and richer flavor, making them an ideal pantry ingredient.

There are many varieties of dried mushrooms, the most common being shiitakes, porcini, morels, and chanterelles. Sometimes dried mushrooms come in a mix. Shiitake and porcini tend to be more affordably priced while morels and chanterelles are pricier. They are available year round.

In general, dried mushrooms are brown and dark tan in color, with some varieties being a dark or light cream color. Often, dried mushrooms have their stem intact. Look for the containers or packages that have nice, intact mushrooms and are not crushed. There should be no signs of moisture or mold as that indicates they were not preserved well.

Plate of Mushroom, Tomato and White Bean Ragout, bread, salad, and fish.

Dried mushrooms can then be used in almost all ways as fresh mushrooms can but add extra flavor and a more substantial texture. Always start by giving dried mushrooms a good soak in hot water to rehydrate and clean them. Read here for more about cooking with dried mushrooms.

Fork scooping Mushroom, Tomato and White Bean Ragout from a plate.

What Kind of Beans to Use in Ragout

Any kind of white beans would be perfect here, Navy, Cannellini, whatever you got. I used small White Northern Beans. You could also make this with chickpeas.

Skillet of Mushroom, Tomato and White Bean Ragout.

This substantial and satisfying vegetarian dish can serve as a main course, or a side. It can be made without the optional cream for a vegan version.
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Herb Choices for Ragout

Instead if the tarragon you could use basil, sage, thyme, parsley, whatever fresh or dried herbs are in your arsenal at the moment. Flexibility is always the name of the game.

What to Serve with Mushroom, Tomato and White Bean Ragout:

Fish, salad, bread, and Mushroom, Tomato and White Bean Ragout on a white plate.

Other Stew and Ragout Recipes:

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