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Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew: Grandma’s Stew, Improved

Okay, so, Irish stew, right? It’s like a hug in a bowl. My grandma used to make it – although *hers* definitely wasn’t vegetarian! But I wanted all that warm, comforting flavor without the meat. You know? So, I messed around in the kitchen and, wow, did I nail it! This Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew is packed with veggies, super filling, and tastes like it’s been simmering all day (even though, shhh, it hasn’t!). It’s my go-to when I need something easy but satisfying. I promise, you won’t even miss the meat!

Close-up of a bowl of Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew with potatoes, carrots, and herbs, served with red wine.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew

Seriously, where do I even start? This stew is just the BEST. Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:

  • **Quick prep, easy cooking:** You don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef to whip this up!
  • **Flavor explosion:** The herbs and veggies together? OMG.
  • **Healthy and hearty:** Packed with good-for-you stuff that actually fills you up!
  • **Vegetarian win!:** All the comfort, none of the meat. You’ll feel amazing.
  • **Super satisfying:** This stew just *hits the spot*, you know? Perfect for a chilly night.

Close-up of Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew in a rustic pot, garnished with fresh thyme.

Ingredients for Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew

Okay, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing stew. Don’t skimp! You want one chopped onion, some diced carrots, and about a cup of those frozen peas (ya know, the packed kind). Oh! And grab some large potatoes—they make it extra hearty. And a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, almost forgot!

Close-up of Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew in a red pot with carrots, potatoes, and herbs.

How to Make Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, gather ’round, because we’re about to make some magic happen! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew bubbling away in no time!

  1. First things first, grab your biggest pot (or a Dutch oven if you’re fancy!). Plop in a tablespoon of olive oil and set it over medium heat. We want it warm, not smoking, okay?
  2. Next, toss in that chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook them until they get nice and soft – usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir them around every so often, so they don’t burn. Burnt veggies? No thanks!
  3. Now for the good stuff! Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary. Cook for just a minute, stirring constantly. Careful—garlic burns FAST! We just want to wake up those flavors.
  4. Pour in your four cups of vegetable broth, and then add the cubed potatoes and that can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain it!). Crank up the heat until it boils, then turn it down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Give those potatoes some time to get tender!
  5. Time for the cabbage! Stir in the chopped green cabbage and cook until it’s tender – another 10 minutes or so. You want it soft, but not mushy, ya know?
  6. Finally, stir in the frozen peas and cook until they’re heated through. This literally takes like 2 minutes. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get all sad and mushy.
  7. Last but not least, taste your stew and add salt and pepper to your liking! Everyone’s different, so season to *your* heart’s content.
  8. Serve it up hot and enjoy every single spoonful! You did it!

See? Told ya it was easy!

Close-up of a pot of Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew with carrots, potatoes, and herbs.

Tips for the Perfect Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew

Want to take your stew from “meh” to “OMG”? Trust me, these little tweaks make a HUGE difference!

  • **Don’t be shy with the herbs!** Fresh thyme and rosemary are amazing if you have them, but dried works just fine too. Just maybe add a *little* extra!
  • **Taste as you go!** Seriously, this isn’t rocket science. Adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to *your* taste.
  • **Veggie broth matters!** Use a good-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. The cheap stuff can taste kinda… bleh.
  • **Thicken it up!** If you want a thicker stew, just mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. Works like a charm!

Variations for Your Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew

Okay, so you’ve made the basic stew… now let’s get a little crazy! The best part about this Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew is how easy it is to tweak. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • **Spice it up!** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
  • **Herb swap!** Try using sage or oregano instead of (or in addition to!) the thyme and rosemary.
  • **Veggie overload!** Parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms would be AMAZING in this stew. Seriously.
  • **Lentil power!** Throw in a cup of lentils (like in this Lentil Curry recipe!) for extra protein and heartiness. Brown or green lentils work best, trust me.
  • **Roasted Veggies? YES PLEASE!** It’s so good when I make a side of Garlic Roasted Vegetables with this stew!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless. Just raid your fridge and pantry and see what inspires you!

Serving Suggestions for Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew

This Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew is pretty amazing on its own, but let’s be real, it’s even BETTER with the right side! For me, you just *gotta* have some crusty bread for sopping up all that delicious broth. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, maybe even grab one of my Homemade Biscuits. A simple side salad works too, if you’re trying to be all healthy and stuff. Or, heck – maybe even some of my Bagels?

How to Store Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew tastes even BETTER the next day (seriously!). Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Wanna freeze it? Go for it! It’ll last for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew

Got questions about this amazing Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me. Don’t be shy!

Can I make this stew vegan?

Totally! Just make sure you’re using vegetable broth that’s *actually* vegetable broth (some sneaky ones have animal stuff in them!). And skip any fancy toppings that might have dairy. Easy peasy!

What other vegetables can I use?

Oh, the possibilities! Seriously, this stew is like a blank canvas for veggies. Parsnips, turnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squash… go wild! Just adjust the cooking time as needed, so everything gets nice and tender.

How long does this stew last in the fridge?

If you store it properly (in an airtight container, of course!), this Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew will happily hang out in the fridge for about 3-4 days. But trust me, it’ll probably be gone way before then!

Can I add beans to this stew for extra protein?

You betcha! Chickpeas, kidney beans, cannellini beans… they’d all be delicious in this stew. Just toss them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking, so they have time to heat through and soak up all those yummy flavors.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, quick note: the nutrition info? It’s an *estimate*. Different brands have different counts, ya know? So, don’t take it as gospel, just a general idea!

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A bowl of Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew, garnished with herbs and served with a slice of crusty bread.

Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew


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  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 55 min
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A filling and flavorful vegetarian stew, perfect for a cold day.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and add potatoes and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Add cabbage and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in frozen peas and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
  • Add other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms.
  • Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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