Irish Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Tempeh - Hearty Vegetarian
A hearty vegetarian twist on traditional Irish stew that swaps meat for protein-rich tempeh and adds sweet potatoes for natural sweetness. The stout beer creates a rich, malty base while lentils provide additional protein and fiber. Aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary bring authentic Irish flavors to this comforting one-pot meal. Perfect for cold evenings when you want something warming and satisfying that feeds a crowd. The combination of tempeh's nutty flavor with sweet potatoes creates a unique depth that sets this version apart from classic preparations.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
thickening power may vary
- 8 oz tempeh, cubedfirm tofu1:1vegetarian
cube and brown well
- 14 ⅞ oz stout beer, like Guinnessvegetable broth1:1alcohol-free
may need extra seasoning
- 1 large sweet potato, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- ½ cup lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- salt and pepper, to taste(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat
- 2
Add onions, carrots, and garlic and cook until just beginning to brown, stirring frequently
- 3
Add flour and cook for 2 more minutes
- 4
Add tempeh and cook 2 minutes more
- 5
Add beer and raise heat to high, boil for 3 minutes
- 6
Add broth, sweet potato chunks, lentils, and herbs
- 7
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and sauce begins to thicken
- 8
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Tips
Brown the tempeh well for better texture and deeper flavor that complements the stout beer.
Don't skip boiling the beer - it reduces alcohol content and concentrates the malty flavors.
Cut sweet potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly with the lentils.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 4 days in covered container. Flavors improve overnight.
Can be made 2 days ahead. Reheat gently, adding broth if needed.
Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Common Mistakes
Don't add salt too early as it can toughen lentils during cooking.
Avoid high heat during simmering to prevent lentils from breaking apart.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
thickening power may vary
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use a different type of beer?
Yes, any dark beer works well. Porter or brown ale are good substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different from stout.
What if I can't find tempeh?
Firm tofu, seitan, or even mushrooms work as substitutes. Cube and brown them well for best texture and flavor.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
The stew keeps well for up to 4 days refrigerated. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it great for meal prep.