Why You’ll Love This Irish Stew Recipe
- Perfect for Sharing: A great dish to make for gatherings or cozy family meals.
- Comforting and Satisfying: A warm, hearty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables and meat.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking the stew.
- Wooden spoon: To stir and scrape the bottom of the pot.
Irish Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Description
Irish Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something wholesome. This traditional recipe features tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions, simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it a family favorite for generations.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
2 lbs lamb or beef stew meat, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 large onion, diced
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cups beef or chicken broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
- Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Toss with flour to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches, ensuring a good sear on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened.
Step 3: Build the Stew
4. Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the potatoes, broth, water, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors are well blended.
Step 4: Adjust and Serve
6. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or soda bread.
Notes
- Choose the Right Meat: Lamb is traditional, but beef works beautifully too. Use meat with some marbling for extra flavor.
- Low and Slow: Allowing the stew to simmer gently ensures tender meat and rich flavors.
- Thickening the Broth: For a thicker stew, mash a few potato chunks into the broth or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make Irish Stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q2: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Parsnips, turnips, or leeks are great additions.
Q3: What’s a good side dish for Irish Stew?
A: Traditional Irish soda bread or buttery mashed potatoes complement the stew perfectly.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 340
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Irish Stew is a timeless classic that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a comforting bowl of goodness, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Did you try this recipe? Share your thoughts and photos with us—we’d love to see your creations!