Vegan Irish Stew is a deliciously hearty meal with chunky veggies, and meaty beans enveloped in a savory gravy sauce infused with stout beer and flavorful herbs!
Vegan Irish Stew is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The stew is filled with various vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, simmered in a savory vegetable broth. But the addition of sourdough discard herb dumplings truly sets this dish apart. These fluffy balls of dough are infused with fragrant herbs, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to the stew. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking to try something new, this vegan Irish stew with sourdough discarded herb dumplings will satisfy your craving for comfort food with a twist.
Looking for more ways to use the dumplings? Substitute them for the noodles in Chicken Noodle Soup or for the rice in Turkey Rice Soup.
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SIS Tip - Simple is Smart Tip for Vegan Irish Stew
If you don’t have Herbs De Provence you can easily make your herb mixture. I make mine with 1 Tbsp each of the following dried herbs:
- rosemary
- thyme
- summer savory
- basil
- marjoram
- parsley
Then add 1/2 of a Tbsp. Each of these herbs:
- sage
- oregano
- ground bay
Mix and store in an airtight container. Optional ingredients: you can add lavender and fennel. I grow the herbs in my garden, dry them at the end of the year, and blend my herb de Provence and Italian Herb. I also make several other different herb blends that I like to use to season my recipes.
Neuro Nutrition Nugget - Prebiotics
This recipe has a number of prebiotics in it. There is an important connection between our gut and our brain and in order for our brain to function at it’s best we need a healthy gut. Our gut makes 31 neurotransmitters and 90% of our serotinin – our mood/feel good neurotransmitter. If our gut is unhealthy our brain is unhappy. To keep out gut healthy we need to keep it’s microbiome – the bacteria that live in our gut – healthy. Prebiotics are the food that the gut’s microbiome needs to stay healthy and keep us healthy.
A healthy gut = A healthy human.
The prebiotics in this recipe are tomatoes, onions, garlic, legumes and a side serving of sourdough bread.
Dumpling Ingredients for Vegan Irish Stew
- All Purpose Flour – Use all purpose flour and not bread flour for a lighter fluffier dumpling
- Vegan Butter – Use the stick Vegan butter not the soft butter in a tub
- Baking Powder- Give the biscuits the lift they need to puff up in the broth and float to the top
- Sea Salt – Sea Salt has less sodium than regular salt
- Herbs-de-Provence – see the SIS-Tip for how to make your own.
- Flax Egg – If you’ve never made a flax egg add 2 Tbsp Water to 1 Tbsp flax see and let sit 10 minutes before you use it.
- Sourdough Discard -You can use either sourdough discard or fed sourdough. If you don’t have sourdough use soy or almond milk. Start with 1/4 cup and add a tbsp. at a time more if needed until you have a soft slightly sticky dough. The sourdough dumplings will firm up in the fridge.
Ingredients for the Irish Stew
- Olive Oil: us extra virgin
- Celery: organic fresh celery
- Carrots: organic carrots
- Onion: organic medium yellow or white onion
- Roasted Garlic: if you don’t have roasted garlic cloves, use fresh garlic cloves instead.
- Flour: organic all-purpose white flour
- Tomato Paste
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Stout Beer: Guinness makes a Vegan Stout Beer
- Vegetable Stock: I use stock instead of broth.
- Baby Potatoes: Organic Purple and Red if you can find them.
Step by Step Instructions for the Sourdough Discard Herb Dumplings
- Make the flax egg by adding 3 tbsp of water to 1 tbsp of flax seed set aside and let the mixture sit for a minimum of 5 minutes.
- Add the herbs, salt and baking powder to the all-purpose flour – Mix
- Cut the cold vegan butter into pieces and cut the pieces into the flour mixture.
- Add the flax seed egg and sourdough discard to the flour-butter mixture.
- Combine with a fork until all the flour is moistened. Don’t overmix. Add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of water if the mixture is dry.
- Form the dough into 12 balls using a 1 ½ tbsp dough scoop.
- Cover the dumplings with plastic wrap or a dish towel and put in the fridge.
Step by Step Instructions for Vegan Irish Stew
- Coarsely chop the onions, carrots, and celery
- To the bottom of a heavy pan or dutch oven add about 1 Tbsp olive oil.
- Add the diced onions, carrots and celery. Saute on medium 5 minutes.
- Add the roasted garlic, herbs, flour, and tomato paste.
- Cook while stirring for 1 minute on medium heat.
- Add the stout beer, vegetable broth, potatoes. The traditional way of cooking the stew is to let it simmer on very low heat for several hours which adds a hearty richness to the stew. However if you don’t have time to simmer it for several hours, save out 1/4 of a cup of the broth and cook on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes until the veggies are fork tender.
- Add the dumplings and beans and cook on medium for 5-7 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through. If the broth isn’t thick and hearty, add 1 Tbsp of corn starch to the 1/4 of a cup of broth you saved and slowly add the mixture to the hot stew. You may not need all of the reserved broth mixture.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve your delicious Vegan Irish Stew in bowls
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Frequently Asked Questions for Irish Stew
What is Traditional Irish Stew Made of?
It typically consists of tender chunks of lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a rich broth made with stock and herbs. The magic happens when all these ingredients simmer together for hours, creating a melt-in-your-mouth stew that is both nourishing and incredibly flavorful. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or during festive celebrations, traditional Irish stew never fails to satisfy.
Is Irish Stew Thick or Watery?
When it comes to Irish stew, the debate over its consistency is a hot topic. Some argue that it should be thick and hearty, while others prefer it to be more on the watery side. But what is the true nature of this traditional dish? Well, the answer may vary depending on who you ask. Traditional Irish stew is typically made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots, cooked slowly in a rich broth. This results in a stew that is thick and full of flavor. However, there are variations of Irish stew that have a thinner broth, giving it a more watery consistency. So whether you like it thick and hearty or prefer a lighter broth, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy this classic dish.
Why is Irish Stew Famous?
Irish stew has gained worldwide fame for its comforting and hearty flavors that warm the soul. This traditional dish originated from Ireland and has become a staple in Irish cuisine. What sets Irish stew apart is its simplicity and the use of quality ingredients. The long cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory taste that is hard to resist. Irish stew has become famous not only for its deliciousness but also for its ability to bring people together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a steaming bowl of this beloved dish.
What is the Real Name for Irish Stew?
The real name for Irish stew is actually “stobhach gaelach”? Pronounced as “sto-va gale-ach,” this traditional dish holds a special place in the hearts of the Irish people. The name perfectly captures the essence of this beloved recipe, as “stobhach” means stew and “gaelach” refers to anything related to the Gaels, an ancient Celtic people who originated in Ireland. So, next time you savor a bowl of Irish stew, remember its true name and the rich cultural heritage it represents.
Why is Irish Stew Different?
What sets this hearty meal apart from other stews? Well, the secret lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Unlike other stews that may be loaded with various spices and flavors, Irish stew keeps it simple with just a few key ingredients. Typically, it consists of lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots, all simmered together in a rich broth. This minimalistic approach allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through, resulting in a warm and comforting stew that is both delicious and satisfying. Additionally, Irish stew is traditionally cooked slowly over a low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a truly mouthwatering experience. So, if you’re looking for a stew that is both simple and full of flavor, give Irish stew a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Vegan Irish Stew with Dumplings
Ingredients
Sourdough Discard Dumplings
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tbsp Herb-de-Provence Herbs
- 2 tbsp cold vegan butter cut into pieces
- 1 cup sourdough discard (see notes if you don't have sourdough discard)
- 1 flax egg
Irish Stew
- 1 medium onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 ribs celery
- 2 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp tomato Paste
- 12 baby creamer potatoes
- 1 tbsp Herb-de-Provence Herbs
- 4 ounces Vegan Stout Beer
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- 1½ cups cooked kidney beans
- 4-5 cloves roasted or fresh garlic
Instructions
Sourdough Discard Herb Dumplings
- Make the flax egg by adding 3 tbsp of water to 1 tbsp of flax seed set aside and let the mixture sit for a minimum of 5 minutes.
- Add the herbs, salt and baking powder to the all-purpose flour - Mix
- Cut the cold vegan butter into pieces and cut the pieces into the flour mixture.
- Add the flax seed egg and sourdough discard to the flour-butter mixture.
- Combine with a fork until all the flour is moistened. Don't overmix. Add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of water if the mixture is dry.
- Form the dough into 12 balls using a 1 ½ tbsp dough scoop.
- Cover the dumplings with plastic wrap and put in the fridge.
Make the Irish Stew.
- Coarsely chop the onions, carrots, and celery
- To the bottom of a heavy pan or dutch oven add about 1 Tbsp olive oil.
- Add the diced onions, carrots and celery. Saute on medium 5 minutes.
- Add the roasted garlic, herbs, flour, and tomato paste.
- Cook while stirring for 1 minute on medium heat.
- Add the stout beer, vegetable broth, potatoes, and cook on medium heat until the potatoes are fork tender about 15 minutes. Note the traditional way to cook this stew is to simmer it for several hours on low until it is thick, rich, and the veggies and meat are super tender.
- Because this is a vegan stew, it won't have the meat chunks that need to be simmered for several hours to make them tender. To create a thick rich broth, I add a Tbsp of corn starch to a quarter of a cup of broth and use it to thicken the stew before I serve it. Slowly add the broth/cornstarch mixture to the pot of simmering stew. Stir while adding the mixture. You may not need all of the mixture to thicken the stew.
- Add the dumplings and beans and cook for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve in bowls.
- Leftovers see notes
