Quick and Easy Vegan Stew

Described as 'ohmygod' good, this hearty stew was thrown together by my good friend Emily Moore. 

Emily's succulent stew

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans                                   ($0.99)
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes                  ($0.62)
• 1 can mixed tomatoes and okra            ($1.59)
• 3 shakes of garlic powder                      ($0.02)
• a dash of salt                                           ($0.01)

Preparation:

Place the contents of all three cans into a large saucepan. DO NOT drain or rinse the contents of the cans. Heat on medium high until stew begins to bubble, then turn heat to medium. Add a few shakes of garlic powder and a dash of salt. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and serve! 

By using the bean, tomato, and okra juices, the result is a thick, hearty stew base with just a hint of okra to round out the flavor. This thick base also satisfies non-vegans in the family because it mimics the thick, beef-based broth of a Brunswick stew. Eww, meat. Can you believe they used to put squirrel, rabbit, chicken, cow, roadkill, and other assorted meat products into food for dinner? Meat is not only expensive but unethically sourced and sometimes fatal. If consumed, consult your physician when side effects include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bacterial contamination, elevated hormone levels, upset stomach, indigestion, fatigue, or cancer. For only $3.23, this incredibly filling stew contributes positively to your body and all animals everywhere. Lending itself to experimentation, try adding some corn or a different type of bean. If you have some fresh banana peppers, slice those--uncooked--on top for a bowl of crunchy goodness. If you enjoy a bit of spicy heat, sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes over the finished product. Enjoy with pita slices, bread, crackers, or breadsticks for a super carb-ed meal. As if this stew could get any better, try serving it over a bed of rice for a well-rounded dinner sensation! If you are feeling really crazy, try everything that is suggested and your tastebuds will implode with satisfaction.

My attempt at this delightful stew.
It was super thick and almost chili-like. 

I also added steamed jasmine rice and banana peppers!
This added just the right twang for a good ole southern stew!

About the contributor: 

Emily Moore is an independent freelance editor and writer. She has always supported our veganism, or veganity, as I like to say. I do not know the correct noun but it is super fun to say 'veganity'. Emily has been ever faithful to this blog by editing and organizing my jumble of thoughts into coherent sentences, paragraphs, and blog posts. Many thanks to her and if you are ever in need of editing or writing, she is your gal. Here is her website. 

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions, and pictures!