Irish Vegetarian Stew Ultimate

This Irish Vegetarian Stew brings a warm and hearty feeling to any meal. It’s packed with fresh vegetables simmered gently in a flavorful broth, making it a satisfying choice for both vegetarians and anyone craving comfort food that feels wholesome and nourishing.

I first made this stew on a chilly autumn evening, and it quickly became a favorite in our home. The combination of herbs and vegetables feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Olive oil: essential for sautéing and bringing out the sweetness in onions and garlic choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Large onion, chopped: forms the savory base and adds natural sweetness
• Garlic cloves, minced: adds depth and aroma, fresh is best but you can use pre-minced if needed
• Medium carrots, sliced: add sweetness and vibrant color look for firm carrots without blemishes
• Medium potatoes, diced: provide heartiness and a creamy texture once cooked Yukon Gold or Russet work well
• Green beans, chopped: bring a fresh crunch and bright green color fresh is ideal but frozen is perfectly fine
• Peas, fresh or frozen: add a pop of sweetness and a tender bite
• Bell pepper, diced: contributes a mild sweetness and color contrast any color will work but red or orange add more sweetness
• Vegetable broth: the liquid base that ties the stew together choose low sodium for better control of saltiness
• Tomato paste: concentrates the tomato flavor adding richness and a subtle tang
• Soy sauce: enhances umami and deepens the overall flavor use low sodium to balance saltiness
• Dried thyme: offers a subtle earthy herbal note that compliments root vegetables
• Dried rosemary: adds a fragrant piney aroma that elevates the stew’s character
• Salt and pepper: essential seasonings to bring everything to life
• Fresh parsley, chopped: added at the end for brightness and a fresh herbal finish

How to Make It

Heat Oil:

Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. This step ensures the oil is hot enough to gently cook the aromatics without burning.

Sauté Onions and Garlic:

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook over medium-low to medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and soft. This slow cooking releases their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base.

Add Carrots and Potatoes:

Stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften while absorbing the flavors in the pot.

Incorporate Vegetables:

Add the chopped green beans, peas, and diced bell pepper. Stir well to combine so the vegetables start mingling together before the broth goes in.

Mix Broth and Seasonings:

Pour in the vegetable broth followed by the tomato paste, soy sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir thoroughly to make sure the tomato paste dissolves and the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Bring to a Boil:

Turn the heat up to high and bring the stew to a gentle boil. Watch carefully so it does not boil over.

Simmer:

Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check for tenderness in the vegetables.

Season to Taste:

Before serving, add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to reach the perfect balance.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the pot from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness, and serve warm in deep bowls.

This stew always reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone lingered longer just to enjoy the warmth of the food and company. Fresh parsley is my favorite addition because it lifts the whole dish without overpowering the subtle herbs and vegetables.

Flavor Boosters

Storage tips Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the vegetables intact. This stew also freezes wonderfully. Portion it before freezing for quick meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stew with rustic bread to soak up the broth or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort A side of steamed kale or roasted Brussels sprouts pairs well to add more greens A sprinkle of grated cheese on top works for non-vegans who want an extra layer of flavor

Creative Twists

You can swap the green beans for zucchini or asparagus depending on the season Potatoes can be replaced with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos if you want a gluten-free or less salty option

This stew combines simplicity with rich flavors to make comfort food that feels both nourishing and satisfying.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use frozen vegetables for this dish?

Yes, frozen peas and green beans work well and can be added directly without thawing.

→ What herbs complement the flavors best?

Thyme and rosemary bring earthiness and depth, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables.

→ Can I adjust the thickness of the stew?

Simmer longer for a thicker texture or add more broth for a lighter consistency.

→ Is soy sauce necessary?

Soy sauce adds a subtle umami note but can be omitted or substituted to taste.

→ How do I garnish this dish?

Fresh chopped parsley provides a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors.