Vegan Irish Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve found it! This Vegan Irish Stew is a delightful blend of tender vegetables and rich flavors, making it a beloved recipe in my kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss, or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a comforting bowl together.

What makes this Vegan Irish Stew truly special is its versatility! Whether you make it on the stove, in an Instant Pot, or let it simmer away in a slow cooker, it never fails to deliver deliciousness. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This stew is loaded with chunky vegetables and your choice of vegan beef or mushrooms, ensuring every bowl is satisfying.
• One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Less time scrubbing means more time enjoying!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors, making this stew a hit at any table.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Vegan Irish Stew. These ingredients are simple and wholesome—perfect for nourishing your body and soul!

• 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 (you can use non-alcoholic stout if preferred)
• 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 tablespoon 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

One of the best things about this Vegan Irish Stew is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use lentils instead of vegan beef or mushrooms for an extra protein boost while keeping it plant-based.
• Add more greens: Toss in some kale or spinach near the end of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your stew an exciting kick.
• Change up the veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in other hearty vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes based on what you have available.

How to Make Vegan Irish Stew

Step 1: Sear Your Protein

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot that holds at least 6 quarts/5.7 liters, add the oil over high heat. When it’s really hot, toss in your vegan beef or portobello mushrooms. Searing them until golden not only adds flavor but also creates that lovely texture we all crave.

Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables

Once you’ve set aside your protein, lower the heat to medium. In the same pot—no need to clean it—add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them sweat down until they start to color; this step enhances their natural sweetness! Just before they finish cooking down, add minced garlic for that aromatic goodness.

Step 3: Build Your Base

After about 30 seconds with garlic in the mix, sprinkle in the flour. Stir everything around well; this will help thicken our stew later on. Letting it cook out for a minute ensures there’s no raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add Liquid Gold

Pour in your chosen stout slowly while stirring continuously. This helps break up any lumps from the flour mixture. Don’t worry too much about small lumps; they’ll cook out as we add more ingredients!

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add rutabaga/swede, potatoes, shredded cabbage, vegetable stock, soy sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and those lovely herbs. Give everything a good stir so all those flavors can mingle together.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Gradually bring your mixture to a boil while stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat and let it simmer uncovered until those potatoes are soft—the ideal texture is when they just start breaking down! This should take about 45 to 50 minutes but feel free to let it simmer longer if needed.

Step 7: Final Touches

About ten minutes before serving time, return those seared mushrooms or vegan beef back into the pot and give everything another stir. If you used fresh herbs earlier on—be sure to fish out those stalks now!

And there you have it—a warm bowl of Vegan Irish Stew ready to share with loved ones! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Irish Stew

Creating the perfect Vegan Irish Stew is easier than you might think! Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious and hearty meal.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add depth and flavor to your stew, elevating the overall taste. Dried herbs can work too, but nothing beats the aroma of fresh ones!

• Sear for flavor: Searing your vegan beef or mushrooms not only adds a lovely texture but also creates a rich base of flavor that enhances the entire dish. Don’t skip this step!

• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer longer to break down the potatoes. Alternatively, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in towards the end for a quick thickening solution.

• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to mix up your vegetables based on what you have at home. Parsnips, turnips, or even green beans can bring new flavors and textures to your stew.

• Let it rest: Stews often taste even better the next day! If time allows, make your Vegan Irish Stew a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight for flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Vegan Irish Stew

Serving your Vegan Irish Stew can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Vegan sour cream: A dollop of vegan sour cream gives a creamy finish that balances the richness of the stew.
• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping, enhancing both texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These little gems add a crispy contrast to the soft stew while providing an earthy flavor.
• Simple green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the stew’s heartiness nicely.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can complement your stew perfectly; they’re great for soaking up all that delicious gravy!
• Quinoa pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a nutritious side that pairs well with the robust flavors of your stew.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy a delightful bowl of Vegan Irish Stew that’s sure to warm both body and soul. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Irish Stew is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the stew cool fully before freezing.
• Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
• You can also use a microwave; heat in short bursts, stirring each time, until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this Vegan Irish Stew, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Vegan Irish Stew without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute Guinness with vegetable broth or a non-alcoholic beer to achieve that rich flavor without any alcohol content.

How long will Vegan Irish Stew last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Vegan Irish Stew will last for up to 4 days in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep!

What can I serve with Vegan Irish Stew?

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You could also enjoy it over a bed of rice or quinoa for added texture.

Can I add more vegetables to my Vegan Irish Stew?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite veggies like peas, green beans, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this Vegan Irish Stew gluten-free?

You can easily make this stew gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener and ensuring your vegetable broth and soy sauce (or tamari) are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this delicious Vegan Irish Stew! It’s not just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a chilly day. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making it and sharing it with friends and family; I’m sure they’ll love it as much as you do!