Name: Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 16 oz button mushrooms, sliced thinly; 8 oz pearl onions; 2 cups carrot, peeled and sliced into 1″ pieces; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 1/2 cups dry, fruity red wine; 1/4 cup brandy or Cognac; 1/2 cup French green lentils; 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley; 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp Herbes de Provence; 1 tsp fine grain kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, plus more to taste; 2 tbsp vegan butter; 1 tbsp all purpose flour (gluten free if needed); Mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta

If you have ever craved the rich, cozy flavors of a classic French dish but want to keep it plant-based, this Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe is a dream come true. It captures all the hearty, wine-infused goodness of the traditional coq au vin with luscious mushrooms, tender lentils, and aromatic herbs simmered into a sumptuous stew that’s perfect for any occasion. The complex layers of flavor and velvety texture make it an exceptionally satisfying meal that even the most devoted carnivores will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of many cooking ingredients arranged on a dark surface with fresh thyme sprigs near the edges. In the center, a round white bowl filled with small white pearl onions sits next to a black bowl filled with sliced bright orange carrots. Near the white bowl of onions, a smaller round black dish contains a red sauce. Scattered throughout are whole white mushrooms, some sliced in halves. Clear small bowls hold green lentils and two light golden liquids, likely oil and vinegar. A carton of orange-colored broth is placed near fresh green parsley lying on a wooden board. Several small white dishes hold dry spices like ground black pepper and dried herbs, and a small black bowl with white salt is also present. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe plays an important role, combining to create a dish that bursts with flavor and delightful textures. From earthy mushrooms that mimic the traditional poultry texture to fresh herbs that brighten each bite, these essentials are simple yet powerful in building the perfect stew.

Olive oil: Provides a fruity base for sautéing garlic and mushrooms, setting the stage for deep flavor development.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant aromatic punch that infuses the dish from the very first step.
Button mushrooms: Thinly sliced to create a meaty, tender texture reminiscent of coq au vin’s classic chicken.
Pearl onions: Small, sweet bulbs that become meltingly soft, adding subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Carrots: Bring earthy sweetness and firmness to the stew, balancing the savory elements beautifully.
Tomato paste: Adds rich umami and a touch of acidity to elevate the depth of the sauce.
Vegetable broth: Enriches the base with savory notes and helps meld all the ingredients together.
Dry, fruity red wine: Adds complexity with fruity and acidic notes, a key element that defines this dish.
Brandy or Cognac: Introduces warmth and a subtle boozy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
French green lentils: Provide protein and heartiness, taking the place of the traditional poultry.
Fresh chopped parsley: Adds brightness and a refreshing herbal finish.
Fresh chopped thyme: Imparts a classic French herb fragrance that rounds out the stew.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle earthiness with their unique aroma during the long simmer.
Herbes de Provence: A blend that imparts floral, savory, and slightly sweet notes to the dish.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the full flavor of every component.
Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and spice to balance the richness.
Vegan butter: Used to create a luscious roux that thickens and enriches the sauce.
All purpose flour: Combined with butter to form a roux that gives the sauce its characteristic creamy consistency.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the garlic and mushrooms

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it gently cook until fragrant, around 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the thinly sliced button mushrooms. Stir them frequently as they soften and release their moisture, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds a foundational umami-packed flavor and gives the mushrooms a rich, meaty texture that is essential in this Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe.

Step 2: Add vegetables and tomato paste

Once the mushrooms are tender and slightly caramelized, stir in pearl onions, sliced carrots, and tomato paste. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes to meld their flavors and bring a gentle sweetness and acidity to the pan. This mix adds both color and texture, boosting the complexity of the stew.

Step 3: Pour in liquids and simmer

Next, add the vegetable broth, dry fruity red wine, brandy or Cognac, French green lentils, fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaves), Herbes de Provence, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly and bring the stew to a rolling boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes. This slow cooking softens the lentils and allows the flavors to marry beautifully, creating that classic, comforting stew taste.

Step 4: Make and incorporate the roux

While the stew simmers, melt vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Gradually whisk in all purpose flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux. Cook it gently for a minute or two until it loses the raw floury taste. This roux is the secret to the creamy, thick sauce that makes this Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe so utterly satisfying.

Step 5: Finish the dish with the roux

Stir the roux into the simmering stew and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken to a rich and velvety consistency, enveloping the vegetables and lentils in a luscious coating that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Now it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe

A close-up view of a thick stew in a large black pot with grey handles, resting on a white marbled surface with a dark striped cloth underneath. The stew has a rich brown sauce filled with visible layers of small round lentils, sliced carrots in bright orange, and chunks of mushrooms in light brown. On top, two fresh green thyme sprigs and a bay leaf lay as garnish. A wooden spoon with a brown handle partially dips into the stew on the right side of the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving adds a bright splash of color and fresh herbal aroma that lifts the whole dish. You can also add a few thyme sprigs for a rustic look and extra fragrance that pairs perfectly with the hearty stew.

Side Dishes

This Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe shines when served over creamy mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or even a bed of tender pasta. The starch you choose perfectly soaks up the luscious wine sauce and rounds out the meal with satisfying comfort. A side of crusty French bread also works wonders for sopping up every last bit of the delicious gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, serve this stew in rustic, deep bowls with a sprinkle of toasted nuts (like walnuts or hazelnuts) for added crunch. You can also layer it in a shallow dish with bright green steamed vegetables on the side for a pop of color that makes the meal festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This hearty Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe reheats beautifully and actually benefits from resting as the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the stew to develop even richer notes.

Freezing

Freeze any extra portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal later, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. The flavors hold up well, and the texture remains wonderfully satisfying.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Once warm throughout, it’s ready to enjoy again just as delicious as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe?

Absolutely! While button mushrooms are traditional and provide a nice texture, you can experiment with cremini, shiitake, or a mixed mushroom medley to add even more depth and earthiness to the dish.

Is it necessary to use wine in this recipe?

The wine is key to achieving the authentic flavor profile of coq au vin, bringing acidity and fruity complexity. However, if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute with additional vegetable broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice for some of the fruity tang.

How do I make this Gluten-Free?

Simply swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux. Make sure your vegetable broth and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I prepare this Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the mushrooms and sauté the garlic first on the stove, then add everything else to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add the roux closer to the end to thicken the sauce.

What are the best accompaniments for this dish?

Classic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or al dente egg-free pasta make excellent complements, but crusty artisan bread and a green side salad also pair wonderfully for a full, balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe is a true celebration of rich, vibrant flavors and comforting textures that make plant-based cooking exciting and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, it’s a dependable recipe that warms the heart and nourishes the soul. Give it a try soon—you’ll love how this stew brings French bistro charm right to your kitchen table!

Vegan Coq au Vin Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need