A warm, simple stew that fills the kitchen with good smells.
introduction
This Irish Vegetarian Stew is gentle, filling, and easy to make. It uses lentils, root vegetables, and greens for a healthy meal. Serve it with warm Irish soda bread for a classic feel.
why make this recipe
Make this stew because it is:
- Simple to cook.
- Cheap and filling.
- Good for cold days and family meals.
It also keeps well and makes easy leftovers.
how to make Irish Vegetarian Stew
Heat oil and cook the onion until soft. Add carrots, parsnips, and potatoes and cook a little. Pour in broth and add lentils, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Boil, then simmer until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Stir in the kale or spinach at the end and cook until soft. If you want a richer, meat-style flavor, you can look at a hearty alternative like French onion beef stew with cheesy bread topping for ideas to change spices or toppings.
Ingredients :
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 parsnips, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth, lentils, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
how to serve Irish Vegetarian Stew
Serve the stew hot in deep bowls. Add a spoon of parsley on top. For a full meal, offer bread or a simple side salad. You can also compare different styles and sides by checking another stew idea like this hearty beef stew for pairing thoughts.
how to store Irish Vegetarian Stew
Let the stew cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Irish Vegetarian Stew
- Rinse lentils before adding them.
- Cut vegetables in similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Taste and add salt at the end if needed.
- Use vegetable broth for more flavor than water.
- Stir in greens last so they stay bright and not mushy.
variation (if any)
- Add mushrooms for a meatier feel.
- Use barley instead of lentils for a different texture.
- Add a splash of red wine or a spoon of tomato paste for deeper flavor.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of chili flakes.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I use brown lentils instead of green?
A: Yes. Brown lentils work but may get softer. Adjust cooking time if needed.
Q: Do I need to soak the lentils?
A: No. Green lentils do not need soaking. Just rinse them well.
Q: Can I skip the greens?
A: Yes. The stew still tastes good without kale or spinach. You can add them for color and nutrients.
Q: Is this recipe gluten free?
A: Yes, if your broth is gluten free and you do not add barley.
Conclusion
If you want another plant-based take on Irish stew, try this well-loved Vegan Irish Stew from It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken for more spice and ingredient ideas.
Irish Vegetarian Stew
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth, lentils, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.
- For a full meal, offer bread or a simple side salad.