Description
A classic comfort food that warms the belly and soul, Irish stew is made with tender lamb or beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth.
Ingredients
- Lamb shoulder or leg: 1.5 kg, cut into chunks
- Potatoes: 4 medium, peeled and diced
- Carrots: 3 large, sliced
- Onions: 2 medium, chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh thyme: 2 teaspoons, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Bay leaves: 2
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Beef broth: 1.5 liters (or enough to cover the ingredients)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing, peeling, and chopping as needed.
- Brown the lamb in batches in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the onions, celery, and carrots in the same pot until the onions are translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Combine the browned lamb, diced potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper in the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth until it covers all ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaves, and serve garnished with fresh thyme.
Notes
- Optional ingredients include stout beer, parsnips, mushrooms, peas, and additional herbs.
- Common mistakes to avoid include overcrowding the pot and skipping the browning step.
- Enhance flavor with fresh herbs, aromatics, and a splash of acidity before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Irish stew, comfort food, lamb stew, traditional Irish recipe