Irish Stew – A Hearty Classic from Ireland
Category: Main Course
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Description:
Nothing quite beats the warming, soul-soothing comfort of a traditional Irish Stew. Originating from the lush green fields of Ireland, this dish features tender lamb, root vegetables, and a rich homemade broth. A slow simmering process results in flavors so deep and hearty, it’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread, this rustic stew brings a taste of Irish tradition to your table.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb (boneless) | 2 kg |
| Carrots | 150 g |
| White onions | 150 g |
| All-purpose flour | 20 g |
| Potatoes | 600 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30 g |
| Salt (fine) | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| White onion (whole) | 1 |
| Carrot (whole) | 1 |
| Bay leaves | 1 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Coarse salt | 5 g |
| Juniper berries | 2 |
| Black peppercorns | 4 |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
| Sugars | 5 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Broth:
- Start by cutting the lamb into small chunks (about 2 cm) and separating the meat from the bones.
- Place the lamb bones in a large pot. Add the whole onion (peel it but leave it intact) along with the carrot, cut into large pieces.
- Insert the cloves into the onion and add the bay leaf, coarse salt, juniper berries, and black peppercorns into the pot.
- Pour in enough water to cover the bones and vegetables. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for about 1 hour, occasionally skimming off any excess fat with a slotted spoon to keep the broth clear and clean.
-
Prepare the Stew:
- While the broth is simmering, peel and chop the carrots and potatoes. Cut the carrots into half-length pieces and then into small chunks, about 2 cm. Peel and cube the potatoes into pieces roughly the same size.
- Peel and finely slice the white onion.
- Once the broth is ready, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove all solids, ensuring you’re left with just the clear, flavorful broth.
-
Brown the Lamb:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Lightly dust the lamb chunks with flour and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the lamb to the pot and sear it until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
-
Combine and Simmer:
- Once the lamb is browned, add the prepared carrots, potatoes, and sliced onion to the pot.
- Pour in the strained broth, making sure it covers all the ingredients. If the broth doesn’t fully cover the stew, add a bit of water to ensure everything is submerged.
- Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are soft.
-
Final Touches:
- Once the stew has finished cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and stir it into the stew just before serving.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the Irish Stew into bowls and garnish with a bit of extra chopped parsley for freshness.
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Tips for the Perfect Irish Stew:
- Lamb Quality: For the best flavor, choose good-quality lamb. The fat from the lamb adds richness to the broth, making the stew more flavorful.
- Cooking Time: Slow and steady wins the race. Don’t rush the simmering process; the longer the stew cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Serve with Bread: Traditional Irish Stew is often enjoyed with soda bread or crusty white bread to soak up the broth. It’s the perfect pairing for this hearty meal.
Conclusion:
This classic Irish Stew is everything a comforting, filling meal should be—hearty, flavorful, and nourishing. The lamb, vegetables, and fragrant broth come together to create a rich, satisfying dish that speaks to the essence of Irish home cooking. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a cozy meal, this stew is sure to bring warmth to your table. Enjoy!
