Peel the potatoes and cut into 2cm chunks. Finely chop the onion. Cut the carrot into 2cm chunks. Trim the beans. Strip the thyme leaves, discarding the tough stems. Crush or finely chop 2 garlic cloves. Crumble the stock cubes into a heatproof jug, add 250ml (1 cup) boiling water and stir to dissolve.
Step 2 — Start stew
Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a medium deep frypan over medium heat. Cook the onion, carrot, thyme and garlic, stirring, for 3-4 mins until softened. Increase the heat to high, add the mushroom meat and cook, breaking up the lumps with a spoon, for 2 mins or until starting to brown. Add 1½ tbs water and cook, stirring, for 3 mins or until browned.
Step 3 — Simmer stew
Add the tomato paste and 1 tsp plain flour to the mushroom meat mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 min. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 10 mins or until slightly thickened and the carrot is tender. Remove the pan from the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 4 — Make mashed potato
Meanwhile, put the potato in a medium saucepan of cold salted water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 mins or until tender. Drain, then return to the pan. Mash the potato until smooth, then season with salt and pepper (see Make it yours).
Step 5 — Serve up
While the potato is cooking, bring a small saucepan of water to the boil. Add the beans and cook for 2-3 mins until tender. Drain. Divide the mashed potato, mushroom meat stew and beans among plates and enjoy!
Step 6 — Make it yours
To make your mash more indulgent, add some plant-based butter – or whatever butter you have on hand if you're not following a vegan diet.