Irish Stew Recipe: The Easiest, Most Comforting Stew Ever

irish stew recipe time! Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty, steaming bowl of traditional irish stew. This irish stew recipe, passed down through generations, fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma and warms you from the inside out. I remember my grandmother making this every St. Patrick’s Day, and the whole family would gather around the table to enjoy this satisfying soup stew. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory.

Why You Will Love This irish stew recipe Recipe

This isn’t just any irish stew recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare – perfect for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy weekend meal. The rich, savory broth, the tender meat, and the perfectly cooked vegetables create a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s versatile! Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking.

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It’s also incredibly forgiving. Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact vegetables or cuts of meat specified below. Feel free to use what you have on hand and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The most important thing is to infuse it with love and enjoy the process. Oh, and if you’re looking for the perfect side, why not try my Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe?

Ingredients Needed for This irish stew recipe Recipe

• For the Meat:

* 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes * 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 large onion, chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour * 4 cups beef broth

• For the Vegetables:

* 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces * 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes * 1/2 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces * 2 sprigs fresh thyme * 1 bay leaf * Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste * Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make This irish stew recipe Recipe

1. 1. Sear the Lamb: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the lamb cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the lamb in batches until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.

1. 2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

1. 3. Create the Base: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

1. 4. Combine Ingredients: Return the seared lamb to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, parsnips, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

1. 5. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the lamb and vegetables are very tender. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed to keep the stew from drying out.

1. 6. Season and Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. For a creamier texture, check out my Easy Creamy Irish Colcannon recipe to enjoy alongside it.

How to Serve This irish stew recipe Recipe

Irish stew is fantastic served on its own in a big bowl. I love to serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the delicious broth. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add an extra layer of flavor.

For a complete Irish feast, you could follow it up with my Irish Apple Cake Recipe too.

How to Store This irish stew recipe Recipe

• Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled stew to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage.

Tips to Make This irish stew recipe Recipe

• Meat Selection: While lamb is traditional, you can also use beef chuck for this recipe. Choose a cut that is well-marbled for the best flavor and tenderness.

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other root vegetables like turnips or rutabagas. They will add a slightly different flavor profile to the stew.

• Herbs: Fresh herbs are best, but you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 of dried bay leaf.

• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot towards the end of the cooking time. This will release their starch and help to thicken the broth.

Helpful Notes for This irish stew recipe Recipe

• Browning the Lamb: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the lamb. Work in batches to ensure the meat sears properly and develops a nice crust. Overcrowding the pot will cause the meat to steam instead of brown.

• Broth Quality: Using a good-quality beef broth is essential for a flavorful stew. If you have homemade broth, even better!

• Slow Cooking: The longer the stew simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Don’t rush the cooking process for the best results.

Variation of This irish stew recipe Recipe

• Guinness Irish Stew: Add 1 cup of Guinness stout to the pot along with the beef broth for deeper, richer flavor.

• Vegetarian Irish Stew: Substitute the lamb with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• Spicy Irish Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the stew for a kick of heat.

Conclusion

This irish stew recipe is a true comfort classic, perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender lamb, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth makes it a meal that everyone will love. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine over the years. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking, and please let me know if you have any questions or comments below. Give this irish stew recipe a try!

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