Irish Stew

Picture a simmering pot filling your kitchen with the cozy aroma of tender lamb and hearty vegetables.

Irish Stew is the epitome of comfort, offering a simple yet indulgent meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

As the ingredients meld over a gentle simmer, the stew transforms into a rich, flavorful delight.

Let’s bring this traditional Irish dish to life and savor its comforting goodness together.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 1 kg lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 liter beef stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Irish Stew, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading & Preparation Setup (10 minutes)
   • Read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
   • Gather all the necessary equipment: large pot, wooden spoon, cutting board, sharp knife, and ladle.
   • Collect all the ingredients needed for the recipe.
2. Prep Work (20 minutes)
   • Cut the lamb shoulder into chunks.
   • Slice the onions and mince the garlic.
   • Peel and slice the carrots.
   • Peel and dice the potatoes.
   • Chop the fresh parsley.
3. Cooking (2 hours)
   • 0:00 – 0:10: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • 0:10 – 0:20: Brown the lamb chunks on all sides in the pot.
   • 0:20 – 0:25: Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
   • 0:25 – 0:35: Sauté the onions and garlic in the same pot until the onions are translucent.
   • 0:35 – 0:45: Return the lamb to the pot, and add carrots, potatoes, and bay leaves.
   • 0:45 – 0:50: Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • 0:50 – 2:00: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Resting Time (10 minutes)
   • 2:00 – 2:10: Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
   • Remove the bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley.

Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the lamb chunks and brown them on all sides.

Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent.

Return the lamb to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, and bay leaves.

Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and cover the pot, letting it simmer for 2 hours.

Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Irish Soda Bread: A classic pairing that complements the hearty stew and adds a touch of traditional Irish flavor.
• Steamed Green Vegetables: A side of broccoli or green beans can add a pop of color and extra nutrients to the meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: For those who love an extra creamy texture, serve alongside the stew to soak up the rich broth.
• Colcannon: This Irish dish of mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale adds an authentic touch and enhances the meal’s heartiness.
• Garden Salad: A fresh and crisp salad provides a rejuvenating contrast to the rich and savory stew.

Storage

To store Irish Stew, let it cool to room temperature.

Then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Irish Stew, let it cool completely.

Portion it into airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Label with date and freeze for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Irish Stew, gently warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally.

Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish, covering it, and heat in the microwave until hot throughout.

Final Thoughts

Irish Stew is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth.

The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty meal.

Remember to use fresh ingredients and give the stew ample time to simmer for the best results.

Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.

Enjoy this traditional Irish dish with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Irish Stew Be Made With Beef Instead of Lamb?

Yes, you can substitute beef for lamb in the stew. Use 1 kg beef chuck, sear it similarly, and follow the same steps. Adjust cooking time if needed to guarantee the beef becomes tender, enhancing the stew’s flavor.

What Are Common Variations of Traditional Irish Stew?

You can replace lamb with beef, use chicken stock instead of beef stock, or include turnips and parsnips for added flavor. Some variations add stout or red wine for depth. Adjust herbs for personal preference.

Is Irish Stew Gluten-Free by Default?

Yes, it is. Your Irish stew is gluten-free by default as it doesn’t include flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Verify your beef stock is gluten-free. Always check labels on store-bought products to confirm they’re safe.

What Wine Pairs Well With Irish Stew?

Pair Irish stew with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a robust Syrah. Measure 150 ml per person. Serve at 16-18°C. Make certain wine complements stew’s rich flavors without overpowering. Adjust selection based on personal taste.

How Can I Make Irish Stew in a Slow Cooker?

To make it in a slow cooker, sear lamb in a pan, then transfer to the cooker. Add onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and beef stock. Cook on low for 8 hours. Remove bay leaves, season, and serve.

Irish Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Irish

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 Ladle

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 kilogram lamb shoulder cut into chunks
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 6 large carrots peeled and sliced
• 4 large potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 liter beef stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

 

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the lamb chunks and brown them on all sides.
• Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
• In the same pot, add onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
• Return the lamb to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, and bay leaves.
• Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low and cover the pot, letting it simmer for 2 hours.
• Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove bay leaves before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To ensure the best flavors, use quality lamb and allow enough time for the stew to simmer, which will help tenderize the meat and meld the flavors. Adjust the seasoning according to taste, and for a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes into the broth.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.