I grew up thinking stroganoff was one of those dishes that just couldn’t work in a kosher kitchen. The traditional version relies heavily on beef and sour cream together, which obviously doesn’t fly when you’re keeping kosher. But after years of experimenting, I’ve cracked the code on a mushroom version that’s every bit as satisfying as the original.
The key is building layers of umami flavor with different types of mushrooms. I use a mix of cremini and shiitake because they each bring something different to the table. The cremini give you that classic mushroom flavor we all know, while the shiitake add this deep, almost meaty richness. You’ll want to slice them thick, about half an inch, so they don’t disappear into the sauce.
Building Umami Without Beef
What makes this stroganoff work so well is the technique I use for the cream sauce. Instead of dairy, I build the base with a good vegetable stock and finish it with cashew cream or a quality non-dairy sour cream alternative. The cashew cream blends smoother and tastes more neutral than most store-bought options. If you’re making your own, soak the cashews for at least four hours first.
The Cashew Cream Game Changer
This dish hits the table in about 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours of prep. I like serving it with some steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. The richness of the stroganoff balances nicely with something fresh and crisp on the side.

Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
- Stir mushrooms and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender and nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in vegetable stock and white wine if using. Add paprika and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return mushrooms to the skillet and stir in cashew cream or non-dairy sour cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Add cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss everything together. Stir in fresh dill and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional dill if desired.
