Vegan Irish Stew
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms the soul, then this Vegan Irish Stew is just what you need! This hearty stew is loaded with tender vegetables and can be made in various ways—on the stove, in an Instant Pot, or even in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something nourishing but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic choice for family gatherings; everyone will love gathering around a big pot of this deliciousness!
What makes this recipe special is how it brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a rich and flavorful meal. It’s reminiscent of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, each spoonful bursting with flavor. I can’t wait to share this cherished recipe with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy this hearty stew—it’s perfect for all ages.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it for easy meals throughout the week.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and veggies creates an unforgettable taste that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Vegan Irish Stew are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up a comforting meal any day of the week. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons oil, or use water for oil-free
- 9 oz (255 grams) OPTIONAL vegan beef or portobello mushrooms
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, cut into ½ inch chunky pieces
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or cornstarch
- 330 mls (11 oz bottle) Guinness
- 1 medium (about 800 grams / 28 oz) rutabaga/swede, or turnips, cut into chunky pieces
- 4 large (about 650g / 23 oz) potatoes, cut into large chunks (each potato into about 6 pieces)
- ¼ head green cabbage, shredded
- 4 cups (960 mls) vegetable stock
- ¼ cup (60 mls) soy sauce, or Tamari
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp white or cane sugar
- 2 large bay leaves
- 2 x 4 inch sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried
- 2 x 4 inch sprigs fresh rosemary, or 1½ teaspoons dried
- vegan dumplings
Variations
This Vegan Irish Stew is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your cravings or dietary needs with these variations:
- Swap the protein: Use lentils instead of vegan beef for a heartier meal packed with plant-based protein.
- Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale near the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Spice it up: If you’re a fan of heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
- Change the starch: Instead of potatoes, try adding sweet potatoes or parsnips for a unique twist on texture and flavor.
How to Make Vegan Irish Stew
Step 1: Sear the Protein
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot that holds at least 6 quarts, add the oil and place over high heat. When it’s really hot, add your choice of vegan beef tips or portobello mushrooms. Sear them until golden on all sides. This step adds depth to your stew by developing rich flavors. Once done, scoop them out and set aside.
Step 2: Sweat the Vegetables
Next, turn down the heat to medium and without cleaning the pot (we want those delicious bits left behind!), add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. If needed, sprinkle in a tiny bit more oil. Allow these veggies to sweat down until they begin to soften and lightly color; this takes about 5 minutes. Just before they’re fully softened, add minced garlic—this will infuse your stew with amazing aroma!
Step 3: Thicken the Base
After about 30 seconds with garlic in the mix, sprinkle in flour. Stir well so everything is coated evenly and let it cook out for another minute or two. This helps eliminate any raw flour taste and thickens your stew nicely.
Step 4: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Slowly pour in the Guinness while stirring continuously; this will help prevent lumps from forming. After everything’s mixed well—don’t worry about small lumps—add your chunky-cut rutabaga/swede, potatoes, shredded cabbage, vegetable stock, soy sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and herbs. Give it all a good stir so that every ingredient is well combined.
Step 5: Simmer Away
Bring everything slowly to a boil while stirring frequently. Then immediately lower the heat to medium-low so it can simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally until the potatoes are soft; aim for about 45 to 50 minutes here. The longer you let it simmer (if you keep an eye on it), the richer those flavors will become!
Step 6: Final Touches
About ten minutes before serving time, return your seared vegan beef tips or mushrooms back into the pot and stir gently to combine everything once more. If you used fresh herbs earlier on, remember to pick out those sprigs before serving!
And there you have it—a delightful Vegan Irish Stew that’s bound to be loved by all! Enjoy every warm bowlful!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Irish Stew
Making the perfect Vegan Irish Stew is all about technique and a little bit of love. Here are some tips to help you achieve the most delicious, hearty stew.
-
Choose quality vegetables: Fresh, seasonal vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the overall texture of your stew. Opt for organic when possible for the best taste.
-
Sear properly: If using vegan beef or mushrooms, ensure they are well-seared before adding other ingredients. This step locks in flavors and adds depth to your stew’s overall taste.
-
Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix up the herbs used in this recipe! Fresh thyme and rosemary add wonderful aroma, but you can also try herbs like sage or oregano for a different twist.
-
Adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or a dash of soy sauce can make all the difference in enhancing flavors.
-
Allow time to simmer: The longer you let your stew simmer, the more flavorful it becomes. If time allows, consider letting it cook for an hour or more on low heat for maximum flavor infusion.
How to Serve Vegan Irish Stew
Serving up your Vegan Irish Stew is just as important as making it! With its rich flavors and beautiful colors, you’ll want to present it in a way that highlights its heartiness and warmth.
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich flavors.
- Vegan sour cream: A dollop of vegan sour cream provides a creamy contrast to the savory stew, making each bite even more delightful.
- Crusty bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread on top; it’s perfect for dipping into that delicious gravy!
Side Dishes
- Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a hit! Its buttery flavor pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of stew.
- Simple green salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the stew.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the sweet vegetables in your stew while adding a crunchy texture.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide an indulgent side that can soak up all that flavorful gravy—perfect comfort food!
Enjoy your Vegan Irish Stew with these serving suggestions that not only enhance its deliciousness but also create an inviting dining experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Vegan Irish Stew is perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy hearty, comforting flavors throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover stew in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to leave space at the top of containers as the stew may expand when frozen.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
- For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making this Vegan Irish Stew:
Can I make Vegan Irish Stew without vegan beef?
Absolutely! You can use just mushrooms, or even add more vegetables like lentils or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
How long does Vegan Irish Stew last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your Vegan Irish Stew will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with Vegan Irish Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Is Vegan Irish Stew suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.
Can I make Vegan Irish Stew spicy?
Definitely! You can add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to give your stew a bit of heat. Adjust according to your taste!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making this delightful Vegan Irish Stew as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort and joy during chilly days. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds!
Vegan Irish Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Vegan Irish Stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, offering a heartwarming blend of tender vegetables and rich flavors that will fill your home with delightful aromas. This easy-to-make stew can be prepared on the stove, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, making it a versatile option for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With each bowl brimming with hearty ingredients and fresh herbs, this dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul. Gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy the satisfying taste of this wholesome Vegan Irish Stew.
Ingredients
- Oil (or water for oil-free)
- Optional vegan beef or portobello mushrooms
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- Rutabaga (or turnips)
- Potatoes
- Green cabbage
- Vegetable stock
- Soy sauce (or tamari)
- Fresh herbs: thyme and rosemary
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat oil over high heat. Sear vegan beef or mushrooms until golden brown; set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to thicken.
- Gradually add vegetable stock along with rutabaga, potatoes, cabbage, soy sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and herbs; stir well.
- Bring to a boil then simmer uncovered for 45–50 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Return seared vegan beef or mushrooms to pot before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
