Meatless Irish Stew

         Due to the constant cold, gloomy weather here in Oregon, I've been having a major craving for some good old stew. Not only is it cheap, but it's easy to make. Just plop the ingredients in the pan and simmer away until, tada! You've got a steaming pot of rich, glorious, almost gravy-like soup that fills all the little holes in your heart that the cold weather might have stolen.


      My stew of choice was a sort of Irish stew. Partly because I had already bought a Guinness draught that I hadn't quite found use for yet. I considered some beer-chocolate cupcakes, but I figured my family wouldn't quite appreciate it if I scarfed the whole end product and left them with crumbs. I am a sweets girl. 


   The recipe was simple.. You can choose whatever veggies you like for the stew, but some staples of Irish stew are potatoes, cabbage and leeks. The recipe below, however, includes the veggies I chose.

Meatless Irish Stew

1 bottle Guinness Draught Beer

1 carton vegetable broth

1-2 parmesan rinds (optional)

1 bunch leeks

1 can crushed tomatoes

1/2 bag baby potatoes, cleaned and halved

1/2 or 1 bag baby carrots

1/2 head of green cabbage

Handful of button mushrooms

Various whole herbs, sage/thyme/rosemary etc. (whatever you like)

Butter and/or olive oil, for sauteeing.

Salt to taste.

Parmesan and bread to serve.

In a large pot, add 1-2 tbsp. butter or olive oil. Heat to medium-high and wait until butter is melted. Add potatoes, carrots and herbs. Sautee until potatoes have a slight golden crust. Add beer. Add the rest of the ingredients except for salt. Turn to high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and simmer until potatoes are fork tender - around 45-60 mins. Add salt to your liking. Remove whole herbs and parmesan rind. Serve with crusty bread and parmesan sprinkled on top.

      My dessert of choice was the eggless, milkless and butterless Crazy Cake (a favorite during the Depression). Recipe found here.

Enjoy!