Vegan Irish Stew

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
3 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup parsnips, peeled and chopped (optional)
1 cup green peas (optional)
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup Guinness beer (or any dark beer, optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 cup canned or cooked green lentils (optional, for added protein)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the Root Vegetables:

Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and parsnips (if using) to the pot. Stir for a couple of minutes to combine with the onions and garlic.

3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:

Pour in the vegetable broth and Guinness beer (if using). Stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Stew:

Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer, covered, for 40-50 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The vegetables should be tender and the flavors well combined.

5. Add the Lentils and Peas (Optional):

If you’re using lentils, add them about 15 minutes before the stew is done cooking. This allows them to warm up and blend into the stew.
If you’re adding peas, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking to preserve their color and texture.

6. Final Seasoning:

Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed. If you want a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot with a potato masher to help thicken the broth.

7. Serve:

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips:

Vegan Meat Substitute: If you’d like to add a “meaty” element, you can include vegan sausage (chopped) or a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu for extra texture.
Beer Flavor: Guinness beer gives a deep, rich flavor to the stew. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, feel free to use more vegetable broth, or you can replace the beer with a non-alcoholic stout.
Storage: This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

This Vegan Irish Stew is a heartwarming, filling dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With tender root vegetables, hearty lentils, and a rich broth, it’s both nourishing and satisfying. The Guinness beer gives the stew its signature depth of flavor, making it an excellent choice for both vegan and non-vegan guests. Enjoy a bowl with some crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience!