Hearty Vegan Irish Stew with Lentils
This comforting Hearty Vegan Irish Stew with Lentils is a nourishing twist on the classic Irish dish. Packed with vibrant vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, along with protein-rich lentils, this stew is perfect for chilly evenings. The addition of Guinness stout brings a depth of flavor, while fragrant herbs like thyme and bay leaf enhance its savory profile. Cooked slowly in a crock pot, this stew allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a delicious, hearty meal that's entirely plant-based. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
Carrots
2 cups (chopped)
Potatoes
5 cups (cubed)
Celery
1 cup (chopped)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (drizzled)
Thyme
1 tablespoon (dried)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Guinness stout
1 (bottle)
Tomato sauce
1 cup (standard)
Dried lentils
1 cup (uncooked)
Water
2 cups (added)
Peas
1 cup (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
1
Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large crock pot, combine the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, cubed potatoes, dried lentils, thyme, bay leaf, tomato sauce, and Guinness stout.
3
Add 2 cups of water to the mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4
Drizzle the olive oil over the top and mix everything together well.
5
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
6
After 6 hours, stir in the peas and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours, allowing the flavors to intensify.
7
Check the consistency of the stew; if it becomes too thick, add a little bit more water to reach your desired texture.
8
Once it's done, serve hot and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of your Vegan Irish Stew!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegan Irish Stew with Lentils?
It is a plant-based version of the traditional Irish stew that replaces meat with protein-rich lentils and features a rich broth flavored with Guinness stout.
Is Guinness stout vegan-friendly?
Yes, as of 2018, Guinness confirmed that their filtration process no longer uses isinglass, making Guinness Draught, Extra Stout, and Foreign Extra Stout vegan.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this stew gluten-free, substitute the Guinness stout with a gluten-free beer or extra vegetable broth, and ensure your tomato sauce is certified gluten-free.
What type of potatoes work best for this stew?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best because they hold their shape well during the long slow-cooking process.
Do I need to soak the lentils before adding them to the crock pot?
No, you do not need to soak the dried lentils for this recipe. They will cook perfectly during the 6 to 8 hours in the slow cooker.
Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown lentils?
Red lentils are not recommended as they break down very quickly and will turn into a mushy consistency rather than maintaining their shape in the stew.
How long does it take to cook this stew in a crock pot?
The total cooking time is 8 hours on low: 6 hours for the main ingredients followed by 2 additional hours after adding the peas.
Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for approximately 4 to 5 hours total, though cooking on low allows the flavors to develop more deeply.
What can I use as a substitute for Guinness stout?
You can substitute the stout with a non-alcoholic dark beer, a dark mushroom broth, or simply use extra vegetable broth with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
Why are the peas added at the end of the cooking process?
Adding peas in the last 2 hours ensures they stay vibrant and tender without becoming mushy or losing their color.
Is the alcohol in the stout cooked off?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the 8-hour slow cooking process, leaving behind the rich, malty flavor of the beer.
Can I make this stew on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the ingredients in a large covered pot over low heat for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often improve the next day.
Can I freeze Vegan Irish Stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What should I serve with this stew?
It pairs beautifully with vegan Irish soda bread, a crusty sourdough baguette, or a simple side of steamed kale.
How can I thicken the stew if it is too watery?
You can mash a few of the cooked potato chunks against the side of the pot or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I add other vegetables like mushrooms or parsnips?
Absolutely! Mushrooms add a great savory depth, and parsnips are a traditional addition that complements the carrots and potatoes.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is very low in fat as it only uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the entire batch and contains no animal fats.
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, but you should add canned lentils during the last 2 hours of cooking (with the peas) so they don't overcook and turn to mush.
Does the type of thyme matter?
The recipe calls for dried thyme, but you can use fresh thyme; just use three times the amount (about 3 tablespoons) for the same flavor impact.
Should I peel the potatoes?
It is a matter of preference. Peeling them gives a smoother texture, while leaving the skins on adds more fiber and a rustic look.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?
Yes, substituting water with vegetable broth will add even more savory depth to the stew's base.
What size crock pot do I need?
A 6-quart or larger crock pot is recommended to comfortably fit all the vegetables, lentils, and liquids.
Is this stew spicy?
No, this is a savory and herbal stew. If you prefer heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe typically yields about 6 to 8 servings, making it perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes?
You can, but sweet potatoes cook faster and will change the flavor profile to be much sweeter than a traditional Irish stew.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, you should fish out the bay leaf and discard it before serving, as it is tough and not meant to be eaten.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is very beginner-friendly because it mostly involves simple chopping and letting the crock pot do all the work.
What if I can't find Guinness stout?
Any dark stout or porter will work, but check to ensure the brand is vegan if that is a priority for you.
Can I add nutritional yeast?
Yes, adding a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast can add a subtle nutty, cheesy depth to the broth.