It's recipe time! Cook this hearty Irish vegetarian stew
This traditional Irish stew, once a rustic staple, has been transformed into a vegetarian comfort dish. Originally served during the cold months, it's now a year-round source of warmth and solace. Keeping true to its hearty roots, this version uses a variety of vegetables and herbs for flavor. Tie on your apron, and let's begin the cooking journey!
Gather the following ingredients
For this hearty stew, gather two tablespoons of olive oil, a large onion chopped, three minced garlic cloves, two sliced carrots, two chopped celery stalks, three cubed large potatoes, a cup of quartered button mushrooms, four cups vegetable broth, and one teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, and thicken with two tablespoons of flour.
Prepare your vegetables
Begin by washing all vegetables thoroughly. Proceed to peel and chop the onion, mince the garlic, peel and slice the carrots, chop the celery, cube the potatoes, and quarter the mushrooms. This prep work ensures even cooking and flavor development. Set these ingredients aside as they'll be added to the stew in stages, creating a layered taste experience.
Saute aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over a medium flame. Add the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent, which should take about five minutes. Next, introduce the minced garlic to the mix, sauteing for an additional minute until it's aromatic. These steps are crucial as they form a flavorful foundation that will contribute significantly to the richness of your stew.
Add vegetables & seasonings
Once onions and garlic are translucent, add in the carrots and celery. Stir these for about five minutes until they start to soften. Then, mix in the cubed potatoes and quartered mushrooms, along with a teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary. Season everything with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors as the vegetables cook together.
Simmer and thicken stew
Add the vegetable broth, ensuring it covers the vegetables, and bring the stew to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape. To thicken, mix flour with water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this into the stew until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
