Next week marks the great celebration of St Patrick’s Day! Although the holiday started out as a feast day to break from the Lent tradition of not eating meat on Fridays, it has since been turned into another holiday to gorge oneself in food and alcohol while wearing green! So why not keep the tradition of the old by continuing to abstain from eating meat and make a traditional Irish and St Patrick’s Day dish, vegan style! Friends will be wowed with your take on this traditional favorite. And they aren’t only to be made on St Patrick’s Day, but enjoyed year round! And this hearty Vegan Irish Stew is a wonderful winter favorite to help melt that snow! So eat up at home before hitting the bars, it will save your conscious and your wallet. Remember to be safe and recycle!

Vegan Irish Stew

Prep Time: 10 minutes   Cook Time: 40-60 Minutes

3 Cups of Water
2 1/2 Cups Vegetable Broth
1 lbs Un-peeled Potatoes
1/2 lb Seitan or 8 oz of Chickpeas (if you don’t like fake meats)
3 Large Peeled Carrots
1 Medium Onions
1 Stalk Celery
2/3 Cup Barley
2 Tbls Soy Sauce
1 Tsp Thyme
1 Tsp Rosemary
1/2 Tsp Salt
Black Pepper to Taste
Cut all veggies into large stew like chunks, including potatoes. In a large pot combine water, vegetable broth, barley, onions, an salt.  Bring to a boil and cook at medium heat for about 20 minutes. Add in the potatoes and cook for another ten minutes. Next add the carrots, seiten (or chickpeas), celery, soy sauce and all spices and cook for another 20 minutes on a low setting. Now you are ready to serve this traditional Irish dish and don’t forget to serve with a slice of Irish Soda Bread or crackers.