Linda McCartney, celebrated for her photography, music connections, and steadfast commitment to animal rights, also carved a significant niche in the culinary world. Her dedication led her to publish vegetarian cookbooks, with one even earning a James Beard award nomination. Among her contributions to various culinary collections, her "Beefless Stroganoff" recipe, featured in The Sinatra Celebrity Cookbook in 1997, stands out as a particularly inviting and easy-to-prepare dish.
This "Beefless Stroganoff" reimagines the traditional beef-centric dish by elevating humble mushrooms to the star ingredient. Instead of meat, the recipe ingeniously incorporates cubed veggie burgers, reflecting McCartney's pioneering approach to plant-based eating decades before the widespread availability of modern meat alternatives like Impossible burgers. The recipe begins by sautéing three-quarters of a pound of sliced mushrooms with an onion and a dash of paprika in butter or margarine until the onions are soft and translucent.
Once the mushrooms and onions are tender, six meatless burgers, cut into cubes, are introduced to the skillet along with a third of a cup of flour, cooking for a couple of minutes to create a rich base. For those preferring to avoid processed alternatives, additional mushrooms or other vegan meat substitutes can be used. The next step involves adding three-quarters of a cup of white wine (or vegetable stock as a substitute) and stirring for 10 to 15 minutes, adding more liquid if needed to prevent dryness. The final touch is a creamy, tangy sauce made from a quarter cup plus two tablespoons of sour cream and half a teaspoon of mild mustard, heated gently without boiling.
This versatile dish serves approximately six people and is best enjoyed immediately while hot. While traditionally served over egg noodles, it pairs wonderfully with rice or hearty whole grains like farro, offering flexibility for different preferences. For a complete and satisfying vegetarian meal, consider complementing the stroganoff with roasted root vegetables, such as maple-roasted sweet potatoes or smashed carrots, especially during colder months. Mashed or scalloped potatoes also make a comforting addition, and a fresh side salad, like a Brussels sprouts, kale, and pear salad, can provide a refreshing contrast.
Whether you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or simply enjoy exploring diverse culinary options, Linda McCartney’s "Beefless Stroganoff" offers a delightful and warm supper perfect for any meal plan. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a potential new favorite that can easily integrate into your weekly rotation, much like other quick and satisfying meals such as a 20-minute chickpea soup.
