We’re continuing with our series of Abruzzo-inspired, plant-based meals today (all our previous recipes are linked below). We love this style of cooking, because it’s focused on an elegant kind of simplicity that really lets every single ingredient shine. Italians tend to take the integrity of their ingredients really seriously, which we experienced first-hand everywhere we ate and cooked in Abruzzo. That obsession with quality ingredients really comes through in the amazing flavor of seemingly very basic dishes. This golden, warming stew was inspired by a seriously unforgettable cabbage and potato stew we tried in Abruzzo. We added our own spin to it – white beans and mushrooms – but the core stayed the same. It’s got just the type of soul-warming energy that we want in our kitchens and on our stoves during a decidedly un-spring like, snowy March.
There are still spots open for our retreat in Abruzzo this coming October! You can read all about our past retreat here, complete with photos and testimonials. This time around, we will be focusing on re-centering and relaxation, together with exploring beautiful Abruzzo. We are super excited to have an on-site yoga/meditation instructor and an on-site acupuncture physician, both offering daily services. We’ll be hosting a bunch of fun workshops like medicinal jams, vegan cheese, meal planning, and homemade skincare (wink wink Magic Moisturizer). Also: visits to an olive grove, winery, and a family truffle plantation. You can see our whole sample itinerary here, and book here!
Click Here to book our Abruzzo Retreat!
This stew is all about the combination of the fragrant, golden broth and the rustic, chunky pieces of variously textured veg. There’s tender, silky cabbage, carby goodness from the potatoes, and meatiness from the mushrooms and white beans. Onion, carrots and garlic establish a solid flavor base, and the addition of nutritional yeast, mustard, red pepper flakes, and lemon brings even more depth and a kick of zing and spice. We are crazy about this recipe. You can also watch us making this stew step-by-step later today on our Instagram Stories (it will be saved to our highlights as well). Hope you give it a try!
For more of our Abruzzo-inspired recipes, check these out: Pasta e Ceci, The Simplest Lentil Soup, Ciabotta, Rhubarb Jam Cookies. And all scenery photos in this post are from our past retreat in Abruzzo this fall.
Click Here to book our Abruzzo Retreat!
“Having the opportunity to explore a lesser known region of Italy to find its hidden gems in the Culinary arts was such an enriching experience! Getting to see first hand how the people in these areas live, visiting locals in their homes… From truffle hunting to tasting oil from 600 year old olive groves… Wild foraging for greens & making pasta in an Italian woman’s kitchen…. Not the typical trip to Italy. It was a delightful & delicious experience!”
– Rachel, Alabama
“I loved the retreat. It was well managed, we had the best food, awesome accommodation, great people, perfectly sized travel group and great tour guides. I had looked very much forward to this retreat and it was even better than I imagined. You created an amazing experience, with wonderful and very unique accommodations, the best meals I have ever had, set in a beautiful landscape, off the beaten path. The silence was palpable and so welcome to step out of the noisy and hectic lifestyle most of us have these days. I seriously consider joining you again, so I can have more of those meals, go back to the medieval village of Santo Stefano and the unique scattered hotel. We also had an awesome group, which made it even more special!”
– Claudia, Massachusetts
“It was a trip of a lifetime. Abruzzo could not have been more beautiful! I loved the diversity of the land, the hiking, cooking and loved loved loved the food. I also was glad that it was not a large group…I liked the intimacy of the smaller number of participants. It truly was a remarkable 6 days and you all were so kind, knowledgeable and pleasant to be with.”
– Helen, Michigan
“Thank you for the wonderful trip. It was so much more than I thought it would be. A deep dive into the food, culture and people of Abruzzo. I had experiences that I could never have on my own. I thought we were a good mix of ages, interests and countries. Diversity makes things so interesting.”
– Maudia, Michigan
“I’ve been to Italy before but never like this! We visited magical places that I’d never know about on my own: Santo Stefano with its fairytale charm, the beautiful truffle plantation, ancient olive grove, a winery located right in a family home’s basement… Every single one was a unique, unforgettable experience. Thank you!”
– Katya, Sochi
- olive oil
- 1 medium onion - diced
- 2 large carrots - finely cubed
- sea salt
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- generous pinch of red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves of garlic - minced
- 4 oz shiitake mushrooms - stems removed, sliced
- 1 lb any starchy potatoes of choice - cut into 1" chunks
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons Dijon or grainy mustard
- 2 bay leaves
- 7 cups water or veggie broth/broth from cooking the white beans
- 1 small Nappa or white cabbage - cored and cut into 1" chunks
- 2½-3 cups cooked white beans
- juice from 1 lemon
- handful of parsley - chopped, for serving
- Heat up a soup pot over medium heat and add some olive oil for sautéing. Add the onion and carrots, along with some salt and pepper, and sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until the onion and carrots are soft. Add the nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes, garlic, shiitake, and another pinch of salt. Stir and cook for another 8 minutes, or until the mushrooms are cooked through and any liquid that they release is evaporated. Add the potatoes, black pepper, mustard, and another pinch of salt, and give everything a stir. Add the bay leaves and water/broth and bring up to a simmer. Be mindful to use less salt if you are using a salted broth or more salt if using water. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, deglaze any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the cabbage and white beans, and bring the stew back up to a simmer. Simmer, partially covered, for another 15 minutes, until the cabbage is silky and tender. Turn off the heat. Add the lemon juice and stir it in. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust if needed. Serve the stew, garnished with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!
lucie says
looks gorgeous and tempting!, humble ingredients make the best comfort food
Anya says
So true! Thank you so much :)
Catherine says
Looks delicious! My body doesn’t respond well to yeast though. Can I simply leave it out?
Anya says
Yes, definitely! Hope you enjoy the stew.
Vitoria says
lost count of how many times I’ve made this, always a winner! Thank you so much for sharing, this is easily one of my favourite comfort foods! Yields endless compliments whenever I make it for friends too (:
Anya says
Hi Vitoria,
So happy to hear that this soup is such a favorite for you! It really is super cozy.
Brittney Timmins says
We made this tonight and loved it! Hearty and delicious, and perfect for a cool night :)
Anya says
So glad you loved it! Thanks for letting us know :)
Bee says
Could I sub canned white beans?
Anya says
Hello,
Yes, you can use 2 15 oz cans of white beans.