Classic Vegan Irish Stew Recipe

Here's a classic Irish recipe that is delicious and brings a bit of Irish charm to your table - Vegan Irish Stew. Traditionally, this stew is made with lamb or beef, but we swap those ingredients with plant-based goodness that still gives that comforting, home-cooked feel we all crave. And it's all in one pot!

Traditional Irish Stew vs Vegan Irish Stew

Traditional Irish stew, or “stobhach,” was the ultimate comfort food born out of necessity. Back in the day, folks made do with what they had. The senior citizens of the flock, aka mutton (insert sad emoji), had lived full lives grazing the lush fields before landing in the pot.

Simmered with potatoes (because, let’s be honest, no Irish dish skips spuds), onions, and water, it was simple, hearty, and practical. Over time, beef and lamb stepped in for mutton, but the stew’s soul stayed the same.

Fast forward to today, and vegan Irish stew steps in with a happy emoji and a modern, plant-loving twist. It swaps the meat for hearty veggies like mushrooms, carrots, and parsnips while keeping the rich flavors and comforting vibe intact.

With vegetable stock as its base and classic herbs like thyme and rosemary, this version honors tradition while shouting, “Hey, I want more plants, less meat!” And don’t worry—potatoes still take center stage, because some things are just too good to change.

Ingredients

Here is a sneak peek into the cabinet to see pretty basic ingredients. See the recipe post for quantities.

• Mushrooms - Adds an umami depth in place of meat. Baby bella mushrooms work well.
• Vegetable Broth - Use Better than Boullion base paste to control the flavor easily. They have a vegan beef broth alternative that fits well into the flavor profile of this stew.
• Potatoes - choose a variety that holds up well during cooking, like Yukon Gold or small potatoes
• Vegan Worcestershire Sauce - regular Worcestershire is not vegan. Many major grocery chains carry vegan Worcestershire.

Notes on Beer

Many people use a stout beer, usually Guinness - because it's vegan. It adds a rich depth of flavor, thanks to its roasted barley notes, alongside hints of chocolate, coffee, and caramel for complexity.

However, stout's deep and rich flavor isn't everyone's cup of tea. And if you don't like the taste of the beer in the bottle, you won't like it in this stew. While you can use any beer, here are some alternatives if you don't want stout beer.

• Porter - This is probably the closest alternative to stout, but it's a tad lighter and less bitter. It still brings that malty, dark, chocolatey vibe to this dish without the heft of a stout.
• Dark Ale - If you're looking for something with a rich flavor but a bit more nuanced than stout, a dark ale could be a great fit. It's got the malt but with a broader spectrum of flavors that might not feel as heavy.
• Mushroom or Additional Vegetable Broth - If you're steering away from beer altogether, substitute with mushroom broth or more vegetable broth along with a tablespoon of soy sauce.

In addition, for those avoiding alcohol, there are non-alcoholic stouts available that can provide similar flavor profiles without the alcohol content. Just a heads up, the cooking process reduces the alcohol content significantly, though not completely.

Find a vegan-friendly beer that tickles your fancy by using Barnivore's online database. It's great for discovering new favorites that fit your vegan lifestyle.

How To Make Classic Vegan Irish Stew

Here are snapshots of what you'll be doing for those who are visually curious. For full instructions, see the recipe card.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and mix for a minute until well combined.

Step 2: Add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. The flour mixture will be mixed with the onions creating almost a dry sauteeing situation. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.

Step 3: Mix in carrots, parsnips, turnips, and mushrooms and cook until they release moisture, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add vegetable broth and beer. Stir to mix.

Step 5: Add the rest of the ingredients - Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and dissolve the tomato paste into the liquid.

Step 6: Bring to a boil, then simmer on low.

Step 7: Cover for 1 hour until veggies are tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 8: The soup will be slightly thick. If you want a thicker consistency, consider adding a cornstarch slurry. Adjust the salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.

Top Tips

• Channel your inner Moto Moto from Madagascar - think "I like 'em big; I like 'em chunky" regarding the vegetables. I think chunky vegetables make a big difference visually, and overall, it gives the dish a hearty, rustic vibe that screams comfort food.
• Don't rush the cooking. Let the stew simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together. A slow cooking time helps the hearty root vegetables become perfectly tender and the broth to thicken.
• Whatever beer you use, make sure it's one you like. If you don't like it from the bottle or can, you won't like it in the stew.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan Irish Stew pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your stew:

• Choose a rustic sourdough or a hearty whole-grain bread for added texture and flavor.
• Serve your stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
• For an authentic Irish experience, serve your stew with a slice of vegan Irish soda bread.
• A fresh cabbage salad with a light vinaigrette like Classic French Salad Dressing can add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm stew. For sweetness, add some shredded carrots and apple slices.

Vegan Irish Stew FAQS

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