Vegan Irish Stew

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that feeds both the soul and the stomach, then this Vegan Irish Stew is just what you need! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings together a medley of chunky vegetables and savory flavors, all simmered to perfection. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this stew makes for a comforting meal that everyone will love.

What makes this Vegan Irish Stew special is its versatility. You can whip it up on the stove, use an Instant Pot, or let it slowly come together in a slow cooker. Plus, it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good inside. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for those chilly evenings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just one pot and simple steps, you can have this hearty meal ready without any fuss.
• Family-friendly appeal: Packed with tender vegetables and flavorful broth, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy—even the pickiest eaters!
• Make-ahead convenience: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Rich in flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and vegetables creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand—this stew welcomes your creativity!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple and wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Each one plays an important role in creating the rich flavors and textures of this Vegan Irish Stew. Let’s take a look!

• 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 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

This Vegan Irish Stew is incredibly flexible! Here are some fun variations to try that can help you customize it to your taste:

• Swap the protein: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of vegan beef for a different texture.
• Add more greens: Toss in some kale or spinach near the end of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
• Change up the veggies: Feel free to add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or other root vegetables you enjoy!
• Make it spicy: Add some chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.

How to Make Vegan Irish Stew

Step 1: Sear the Protein

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, add the oil and place it over high heat. Once hot, add your choice of vegan beef or portobello mushrooms. Searing them until golden adds wonderful flavor that enhances your stew later on. After they’re nicely browned, scoop them out and set aside.

Step 2: Sweat the Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and return to the same pot (no need to clean!). Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. If needed, drizzle in a bit more oil. Sweating these vegetables allows their natural sweetness to come out—trust me; this step builds an amazing foundation for your stew!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flour

Once your veggies start to color slightly, toss in minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant; then sprinkle in flour. Stir everything well so each piece gets coated. Cooking it out helps eliminate any raw flour taste—your stew deserves all the deliciousness!

Step 4: Pour in Guinness

Slowly pour in Guinness while stirring continuously. This helps prevent lumps from forming and ensures everything mixes perfectly. Don’t worry if there are small lumps—they’ll blend away as we add more ingredients.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Now add rutabaga/swede, potatoes, cabbage, vegetable stock, soy sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and herbs into the pot. Give everything a big stir; this is where all those flavors start coming together beautifully.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Bring it slowly to a boil while stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat allowing it to simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally until your potatoes are soft and gravy thickens—this usually takes about 45 to 50 minutes but feel free to let it simmer longer if time allows.

Step 7: Final Touches

About ten minutes before serving time, return your seared protein back into the pot. Give everything another stir so those flavors meld together nicely.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Don’t forget to pick out any herb stalks before serving! Ladle generous portions into bowls and watch everyone dig in with smiles on their faces—you’ve just created something wonderful!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Irish Stew

Making a hearty Vegan Irish Stew is a breeze with these helpful tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time!

• Choose the right vegetables: Using seasonal and fresh vegetables enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your stew. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and rutabaga add sweetness and texture.

• Don’t rush the sautéing: Taking your time to sauté the onions, carrots, and celery allows them to develop a deeper flavor that adds richness to the stew. This step is key to building a solid base for your dish.

• Adjust thickness as needed: If you find your stew is too thick, simply add more vegetable stock. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer. This flexibility helps achieve your desired consistency.

• Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor: Fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the stew’s taste significantly compared to dried herbs. If using dried herbs, be sure to adjust the quantity since they are more concentrated.

• Let it sit: Allowing your stew to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll find that it tastes even better when served after a short wait!

How to Serve Vegan Irish Stew

Serving your Vegan Irish Stew can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas for presenting this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the flavors of the stew.
• Sliced green onions: Adding sliced green onions gives a mild oniony crunch that complements the soft textures in the stew.
• A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can enhance richness and provide an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

• Crusty whole-grain bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious gravy. Choose a good artisan loaf or make some homemade bread!
• Simple green salad: A refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stew wonderfully.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the hearty stew. Toss them in olive oil and roast until crispy for added texture.
• Vegan colcannon: This traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage makes an excellent companion. The creamy texture complements the chunky stew perfectly.

Enjoy serving this beautiful Vegan Irish Stew at your next gathering or cozy dinner night—it’s bound to warm hearts and satisfy tummies!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Irish Stew is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch at the beginning of the week, making it a convenient and hearty meal option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Be sure to label the containers with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion when freezing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this dish, you’re in the right place!

Can I make Vegan Irish Stew without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute Guinness with vegetable broth or a non-alcoholic stout for a similar rich flavor.

How do I thicken my Vegan Irish Stew?

If your stew is too thin, simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew. Let it simmer until thickened.

What vegetables can I add to Vegan Irish Stew?

Feel free to get creative! Vegetables like parsnips, mushrooms, or peas can add extra flavor and nutrition.

How long can I store Vegan Irish Stew?

You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Is Vegan Irish Stew gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flour and ensure your vegetable stock and soy sauce are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this hearty and comforting Vegan Irish Stew as much as I do! It’s truly special—packed with flavors and nourishing ingredients that warm both body and soul. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and make some wonderful memories around the table. Happy cooking!