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Irish Stew

🍲 Irish Stew

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 7
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lamb shoulder or beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 –4 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 3 –4 potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 2 –3 stalks celery sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef or lamb broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Brown the Meat:
  1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown lamb or beef cubes in batches, then remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
  1. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Add Liquids & Seasonings:
  1. Return the meat to the pot. Pour in broth and water. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Simmer:
  1. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until meat is tender.
Add Potatoes:
  1. Add potatoes about 30 minutes before the stew is done, so they become tender but don’t fall apart.
Adjust & Serve:
  1. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

Meat Choice: Lamb gives a traditional Irish flavor, but beef works well too.
Thickening: Mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the stew.
Make Ahead: Stew often tastes better the next day as flavors develop.
Vegetable Variations: Add parsnips, turnips, or pearl onions for extra depth.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with rustic bread or Irish soda bread to soak up the delicious broth.