How To Make a Vegan Irish Stew

Learn How To Make a Vegan Irish Stew recipe at Home with common ingredients. Vegan Irish Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is a plant-based twist on the classic Irish stew. Traditionally made with lamb or beef, this vegan version replaces the meat with wholesome vegetables and lentils, resulting in a delicious and nutritious one-pot meal.
At its core, Vegan Irish Stew is a medley of tender vegetables, earthy lentils, and aromatic herbs, all simmered together to create a flavorful and satisfying stew. The choice of vegetables is essential in replicating the traditional Irish stew’s taste and texture, and this vegan version does an excellent job of capturing those elements.
The stew begins with a base of sautéed onions and garlic, which fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma as they soften and release their flavors. Carrots and parsnips, with their natural sweetness, join the mix, adding a hearty and wholesome character to the stew. Potatoes, a staple in Irish cuisine, provide a comforting and hearty element, while mushrooms contribute a savory and meaty texture.
The protein-rich lentils are the star of this vegan rendition, providing substance and depth to the dish. As the stew simmers, the lentils absorb the flavors of the vegetables and herbs, creating a thick and rich broth that coats every spoonful.
Speaking of herbs, fresh thyme or dried thyme is a classic addition to the Irish stew, infusing it with a warm and earthy aroma that complements the vegetables and lentils perfectly. Bay leaves further enhance the stew’s fragrance, adding a subtle yet distinctive note to the overall flavor profile.
To deepen the umami taste, a splash of soy sauce or tamari is added, which adds a depth of savory flavor without compromising the dish’s vegan nature.
Once the Vegan Irish Stew has simmered to perfection, it is ladled into bowls, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds a touch of freshness and vibrant color. So, here’s a delicious Vegan Irish Stew recipe that captures all the traditional flavors of the classic dish without using any animal products.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of green lentils, rinsed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Firstly, in a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the sliced carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Then, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them. Cook for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, add the green lentils, bay leaves, and fresh thyme to the pot. Stir everything together, then cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the stew. If you used dried thyme, there’s no need to remove it.
- Then, stir in the soy sauce or tamari for added depth of flavor. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the stew seems too thick, you can add more water or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finally, serve the Vegan Irish Stew hot in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.
This hearty and nourishing Vegan Irish Stew is a wonderful option for colder days or whenever you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of vegetables, lentils, and savory herbs creates a rich and flavorful stew that will warm both your heart and your belly. Enjoy!

