Irish Stew is a quintessential comfort food in Irish cuisine, often made with lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots. This slow-cooked dish is rich and hearty, perfect for a cold day. Here’s how to make a traditional Irish Stew.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) lamb shoulder, cut into 4cm cubes
- 1 leek, finely sliced
- 1 brown onion, finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 liter (4 cups) beef stock
- 1 bay leaf
- Sprigs of thyme and flat-leaf parsley
- 1 bunch Dutch carrots, trimmed
- 6 baby potatoes (or 3 larger potatoes cut in half)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Brown the Lamb:
- In a large cast iron casserole, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb pieces in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the browned lamb and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the sliced leek and onion. Sauté until they are softened and translucent.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the diced carrot, bay leaf, thyme, and parsley.
- Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring to a simmer.
- Add Potatoes and Carrots:
- Add the baby potatoes and Dutch carrots to the pot.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with sea salt flakes and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.
This traditional Irish Stew is sure to warm you up and bring a taste of Ireland to your table.