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- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds - 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced into rounds - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 cup vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 cup water - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Gathering fresh ingredients is key for great flavor. Potatoes, carrots, and parsnips form the hearty base. They bring a nice texture and comfort. Onion and garlic add depth and warmth to the stew. Fresh green beans contribute a lovely crunch and color. Herbs like thyme and rosemary enhance the taste. They lend an earthy note that complements the vegetables. Using low-sodium broth helps keep the stew tasty without being too salty. You can always add more seasoning later. Don't forget the salt and pepper! They bring all the flavors together. Lastly, have fresh parsley ready for garnish. It gives a bright touch to your warm bowl of stew. Enjoy the process of preparing these ingredients. The smell of cooking will fill your kitchen with comfort. {{ingredient_image_2}} Heating the Olive Oil Start by taking a large pot. Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Wait for the oil to shimmer, which means it's ready. Sautéing Onion and Garlic Next, add 1 large, finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir them often for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. This step adds a strong flavor base to your stew. Adding Root Vegetables Now, toss in 4 medium potatoes, diced into cubes, 3 medium carrots sliced into rounds, and 2 parsnips sliced into rounds. Mix all the veggies well and cook for 5 minutes, stirring every so often to avoid burning. This helps the vegetables soften and release their flavors. Incorporating Broth and Green Beans Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of water. Stir everything together. Turn the heat up to bring it to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it as it heats. Seasoning the Stew Once boiling, add 1 cup of fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Taste your stew and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. These herbs will give the stew a warm, comforting flavor. Simmering for Flavor Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally and taste it, adjusting the seasoning if needed. The stew is done when all the veggies are tender and soaked in flavor. Resting the Stew After cooking, take the pot off the heat. Let the stew sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle together. Serving Suggestions Ladle the stew into warm, rustic bowls. For a pop of color, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your hearty Irish Vegetable Stew! - Importance of Fresh Ingredients Fresh ingredients make this stew shine. Use firm potatoes and bright carrots. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary also bring a burst of flavor. Quality veggies will taste better and add more nutrients to your dish. - Optimal Cooking Time for Tender Vegetables Cook each vegetable just right. Start with onions and garlic to build flavor. Add potatoes, carrots, and parsnips next, allowing them to soften. Simmer the stew for 30 to 35 minutes to ensure all veggies become tender. Stir occasionally to help flavors blend. - Serving in Rustic Bowls Serve the stew in warm, rustic bowls. This makes the meal feel cozy and inviting. The bowls can enhance the colors of the stew, making it more appealing. - Garnishing with Parsley Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This not only looks great but also adds a fresh taste. The green color brightens the dish and makes it more inviting. - Low-Sodium Alternatives Use low-sodium vegetable broth to keep the stew healthy. This helps control salt levels while still delivering rich flavor. You can also add more herbs for taste without sodium. - Vegan Adaptations This stew is already vegan-friendly. You can keep it plant-based by using vegetable broth. It’s a great option for everyone, whether you’re vegan or not. Enjoy a hearty meal without any animal products. Pro Tips Use Seasonal Vegetables: Opt for seasonal and fresh vegetables for optimal flavor and nutrition. They not only enhance the taste of your stew but also make it more colorful and appealing. Layer Your Flavors: Sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning builds a strong flavor base for your stew. Don’t skip this step, as it adds depth to the overall dish. Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch. This will naturally thicken the broth without needing a thickener. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness. Add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and appearance. {{image_4}} Adding seasonal vegetables can make your Irish vegetable stew even better. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or turnips. They bring unique flavors and textures. You can also use veggies you have on hand. If you have allergies, swap potatoes with sweet potatoes or use squash instead. These changes keep the stew fresh and exciting. To boost flavor, add beans or lentils. They provide protein and make the stew hearty. You can use canned beans for ease or cook dried beans in advance. Fresh herbs can also lift the dish. Try basil, oregano, or even a hint of dill for a new twist. Experimenting with these can lead to your perfect bowl of stew. Leftovers can be a delightful surprise. Turn your stew into shepherd's pie by layering it with mashed potatoes. Bake it until golden for a comforting meal. You can also use the stew as a soup base. Just add more broth and your favorite greens for a quick soup. These ideas help you enjoy every last bite. To cool the stew safely, let it sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. This keeps it from getting too warm, which can cause bacteria to grow. After cooling, transfer the stew to containers. I recommend using airtight containers for the best storage. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work great. When reheating, use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat on low, stirring often. This helps heat the stew evenly. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the vegetables from becoming mushy. Always check the temperature, aiming for at least 165°F (74°C) before serving. To freeze the stew, let it cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. I like using bags because they save space. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For thawing, place the frozen stew in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it’s hot throughout. Irish Vegetable Stew is made with simple, fresh ingredients. The main veggies are potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. You also need onions and garlic for flavor. Green beans add bright color and texture. The dish uses vegetable broth and water for a rich base. Season with dried thyme and rosemary for an earthy taste. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. To thicken your stew, you can use a few tricks. One way is to mash some of the potatoes. This adds creaminess without extra ingredients. Another option is to mix in a little cornstarch. Mix the cornstarch with cold water first, then stir it into the stew. Let it cook for a few more minutes. This will help the stew thicken nicely. You can also let it simmer longer, allowing some liquid to evaporate. Yes, you can easily make Irish Vegetable Stew in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a pan. Then, add all the other ingredients to the slow cooker. Pour in the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker will make the flavors blend well. This method is great for busy days! Irish Vegetable Stew lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool down before putting it in the fridge. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, Irish Vegetable Stew is great for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge. You can make a big batch and portion it out for the week. It’s easy to reheat, and the flavors improve over time. Just keep it in containers for quick meals. This dish is healthy and filling, making it a smart choice for busy schedules. We've explored how to create a hearty Irish vegetable stew. We covered the key ingredients like root veggies and broth. You learned step-by-step instructions, from sautéing aromatics to garnishing with fresh herbs. I shared tips for authentic flavors and easy presentation ideas. Plus, we discussed storage and variations. To cap it off, this stew fits well in meal prep and can adapt to your taste. With these guidelines, you can confidently make and enjoy this dish, bringing warmth to your table.

Hearty Irish Vegetable Stew

A comforting and flavorful vegetable stew packed with hearty ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Irish
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
  • Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
  • Incorporate the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and parsnips into the pot. Stir everything together and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and water, stirring to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching closely as it heats.
  • Once boiling, add the green beans along with the dried thyme and rosemary. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the stew cook for approximately 30-35 minutes. It’s ready when all the vegetables are tender and infused with flavor.
  • Stir the stew occasionally during cooking, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as necessary to suit your preference.
  • After cooking, remove the pot from the heat and allow the stew to rest for about 5 minutes before ladling into bowls.

Notes

Serve in warm bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread for dipping.
Keyword comfort food, hearty, Irish, vegetable stew