Irish-Inspired Veggie Stew
This Irish-Inspired Veggie Stew is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful plant-based twist on a classic Irish dish. Packed with tender potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and lentils, all simmered in a rich, savory broth infused with aromatic herbs, this stew is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It’s easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and can be customized to fit any dietary preference. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comforting meal!
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For even cooking and slow simmering.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: To chop vegetables evenly.
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring the stew as it cooks.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient portions.
- Small Bowl: For mixing a cornstarch slurry if thickening the stew.
- Immersion Blender (Optional): If you want a creamier texture by blending part of the stew.
- Soup Bowls & Ladle: For serving your delicious, hearty stew.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Legumes:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 2 large potatoes cubed
- 1 parsnip peeled and chopped
- 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms sliced
- 1 can 15 oz lentils, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked lentils)
Broth & Seasonings:
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dark ale or Guinness for a deep, rich flavor
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce use vegan if needed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari for umami flavor
- 1 bay leaf
Thickening & Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the Vegetables
- Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, parsnip, and mushrooms. Stir everything well to coat in the oil and aromatics.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.
- Step 3: Build the Flavor
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and dark ale (if using).
- Add the bay leaf and bring everything to a simmer.
- Step 4: Simmer the Stew
- Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked lentils and green peas.
- Step 5: Thicken the Stew
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Slowly stir the mixture into the stew, allowing it to thicken. Let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or Irish soda bread.
Notes
Make-Ahead Instructions:
This Irish-Inspired Veggie Stew is perfect for meal prep because the flavors deepen and develop over time. Here’s how to prepare it in advance: ✅ Chop the Vegetables in Advance: Cut all the vegetables up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.✅ Cook Ahead of Time: Prepare the stew 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when reheated.
✅ Slow Cooker Option: If using a slow cooker, you can set it up in the morning and have a ready-to-eat meal by dinnertime.
Storage Instructions:
✅ Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth if needed. ✅ Freezer: This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bags. Label with the date for easy tracking. ✅ Reheating:- Stovetop: Heat on low, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if it has thickened too much.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat from frozen on the stovetop with a little added broth.