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Vegetarian Irish Stew

posted by Melissa Breyer Mar 14, 2009 7:44 am
Vegetarian Irish Stew
18 comments

Vegetarian Irish stew sounds like one of those technically impossible dishes–as oxymoronic as vegan steak and potatoes. Most traditional recipes start off with two pounds of lamb, beef or mutton, and precede from there. There is a flurry of vegetarian versions on-line, but the majority of them rely on meat substitutes. Although I know a lot of people like meat stand-ins, I’m not one of them. Another popular recipe calls for soy sauce and red lentils–that’s somehow not sounding very Irish stew-ish to me.

So I hopped on the roots and Guinness train of Irish stew, deciding to incorporate a gaggle of lovely root vegetables–the stalwart survivors from my Northeastern farmer’s market–with some nice stout beer to add another level of depth. And I added pearl barley for some “tooth” and extra protein. But you know what? Guinness isn’t vegan, so if you are heading for a vegan version of this dish, try Samuel Smith’s or another stout that doesn’t use isinglass in the filtering process. Some recipes for Irish stew call for cooking it in the oven, and there are slow cooker methods as well. Since this version doesn’t have meat the cooking time is reduced and I find that cooking it on the stove top is easy and convenient–especially if (like me) you’re one of those soup-makers that likes to poke and prod and stir and sniff as the soup/stew cooks.

INGREDIENTS
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium leeks, cleaned and sliced (or 2 medium onions, diced)
1 cup cup parsnips, sliced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup potatoes, sliced into chunks
1 cup turnips or rutabagas, peeled and sliced into chunks
1 cup celery, diced
4 cups vegetable stock
2 cups stout beer
1 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
A few sprigs each fresh rosemary, fresh thyme and fresh marjoram (or 1/4 teaspoon of each dried)
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large soup pot or dutch oven, saute leeks in the olive oil until translucent. Add the remaining vegetables and cook for a few minutes, stirring to coat the vegetables with oil.

2. Add broth, stout, barley and parsley to pot. Tie together sprigs of fresh herbs with a piece of cooking string and add (or add dried herbs). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for an hour, or until vegetables are tender and stew has thickened, adding water if necessary. Remove herb bundle.

3. Season with salt and pepper, divide among plates and serve with bread.

More on Entrees (449 articles available)
More from Melissa Breyer (493 articles available)

18 comments

18 comments

add your comment »
18 comments add your comment
maria d.

wich beer can be used for vegan people?? so long I've been drinking ginness :(
by the way how do I know if a beer is vegan or not wich ingredient shouldn't it have?

Jesse T.

My husband is allergic to hops, which I know is in the majority of beer. He can have sorghum beer, but it doesn't come in stout. Would it be a good substitute for the stout?

Beverly J.

wish these recipes carried calorie and nutrients lists.

Gus Asperson

If you're vegan, be careful which stout you use. Guinness is NOT vegan.

Gus Asperson

If you're vegan, be careful which stout you use. Guinness is NOT vegan.

LaJana P.

I made this yesterday and I loved it. I made a few substitutions and left out a few ingredients. I didn't use the turnips/rutabagas, stout beer or the pearl barley (I couldn't find any pearl barley in my town - not even at the health food stores). I doubled the amount of vegetable stock and added lentils and cabbage to it. I also added a little more spices to give it flavor. I also used the onion instead of the leeks as well.

I'm not that good at following recipes and always vary them in some way or another. It turned out really good and my family really liked it (except my youngest - who hates vegetables -- especially the green ones).

Thank you so much for posting this recipe!!!! Hope I didn't change it to much for you.

Eric Rardin

This looks tasty. I still make Annie's barley vegetable soup at least once a month in winter. I can't wait to try this. I love Care2's Irish soda bread recipe, so it'll have to be part of the meal too.

Brenda V.

Dear Past Member,
I had never thought of that and my cat just locked herself in the closet. :o)

Past Member

Brenda V.
Consider washing your hair with the left over beer,
works great ! Will also make your cat nice and fluffy !

Past Member

Lots of good comments and I can't wait till tomorrow to make this stew. I think some great northern white beans would be a wonderful addition.. and if you don't like them leave them out. Let's not get to narrowed minded with these good recipes not to think we can't add a little something to improve them to our personal needs or preferences.. Not sure the availability of a good white bean or similar bean was available in Ireland when this traditional stew started. The greatest thing about eating is preparing your own food, with your own ingredients and savoring the process. Everyone had great comments we can all benefit and appreciate. ENJOY ! :)

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