Irish Lamb or Beef Stew
Description:
A hearty and comforting dish that transcends seasons, this Irish Lamb or Beef Stew is a beloved classic. While traditionally enjoyed during the winter months, its delicious flavors make it a welcome addition to any table year-round. With a rich broth, tender meat, and hearty vegetables, it’s the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or festive occasions.
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Stew
Keywords: One Dish Meal, Lamb/Sheep, Meat, European, Low Cholesterol, Weeknight, St. Patrick’s Day, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1692.4
- Fat Content: 77.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 25.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 288mg
- Sodium Content: 2135.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 139.1g
- Fiber Content: 21.2g
- Sugar Content: 25.2g
- Protein Content: 94.7g
Yield: 2 1/2 Quarts
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Burgundy wine |
| 1 | dry red wine |
| 2 | garlic cloves |
| 1 | bay leaf |
| 1/2 | teaspoon salt |
| 1/4 | teaspoon pepper |
| 3 | dried whole thyme |
| 1 | pound lamb or beef |
| 1/4 | cup olive oil |
| 2 | cups beef broth |
| 6 | carrots |
| 12 | boiling onions |
| 6 | potatoes |
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Meat:
- In a bowl, combine the Burgundy wine, dry red wine, minced garlic cloves, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and dried whole thyme.
- Pour the marinade over the lamb or beef in a shallow dish, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
-
Prepare the Stew:
- After marinating, drain the meat, reserving the marinade for later use.
- Discard the bay leaf from the marinade mixture.
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the marinated meat in the hot oil, allowing it to develop a rich caramelized exterior.
-
Simmer the Stew:
- Once the meat is browned, add the beef broth and the reserved marinade to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 1 1/2 hours.
- This slow simmer allows the meat to become tender and infuses the broth with deep, savory flavors.
-
Add Vegetables:
- After the initial simmering time, add the carrots, boiling onions, and potatoes to the pot.
- Ensure the vegetables are submerged in the flavorful broth.
- Cover the pot again and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is fully cooked.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls, making sure to include a generous portion of meat, vegetables, and broth in each serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, if desired, for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or mashed potatoes, and enjoy the comforting goodness of this Irish Lamb or Beef Stew.
Notes:
- This stew can be easily customized based on your preferences. Feel free to add additional vegetables like celery, parsnips, or turnips for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with some of the hot broth from the pot to create a slurry, then stir it back into the stew and simmer until thickened.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of this Irish Lamb or Beef Stew, a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a cozy meal, this stew is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
