Authentic and Hearty Irish Stew Recipe
Howdy folks! Have you been searching for a hearty and satisfying recipe that’ll take your taste buds on a scrumptious journey to the rolling hills of Ireland? Well, don’t you fret, because I’ve got just the dish for you – Irish Stew with Guinness, Potatoes, and Sausage.
This traditional Irish stew is packed with flavors and textures that are sure to warm you up on a chilly day. And let me tell you, nothing goes better with this recipe than a pint of Guinness beer!
So gather ’round the table with your friends and family, put on some Irish music, and let’s whip up a pot of this comforting stew together. It’s easy to make and impossible not to fall in love with. So, dust off your Dutch oven or slow cooker and let’s get cookin’!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, let me tell you about a hearty and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion: Irish Stew with Guinness, Potatoes, and Sausage. Trust me; once you try this dish, it will quickly become a regular on your dinner table rotations.
Now we all love a good stew, especially during the chilly season, but wait till you hear what elevates this recipe to new heights! The addition of Guinness beer is what makes this recipe stands out from the crowd. The beer adds depth and richness to the stew’s flavor, creating a warm and inviting meal for any time of the year.
But the good news doesn’t stop there folks. This stew is packed with hearty vegetables like potatoes, onions, garlic, cremini mushrooms and carrots that bring an earthy taste to your palate. And if you thought the dish couldn’t get tastier — how about some juicy sausages and smoked bacon?
Believe me when I say that these flavors come together beautifully in this classic Irish dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. With each bite, you’ll feel like you’re transported straight to the Emerald Isle itself.
So whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something wholesome and full of flavor, go ahead and give this Irish Stew with Guinness, Potatoes, and Sausage recipe a shot. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients for my Irish Stew with Guinness, Potatoes and Sausage recipe:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 pork sausages and 1 lb smoked bacon or Irish Sausage
- 2 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- one bottle of Guinness beer
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Note that you can adjust quantities depending on your preferences. When possible, use traditional Irish ingredients such as Dublin Coddle or Johnsonville Irish Garlic sausages to give the dish a more authentic flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Before we start cooking, we need to prep all of our ingredients. Start by getting your sausages and smoked bacon ready. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Chop up 2 large onions and 5-6 garlic cloves roughly. Peel 4-5 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cut them in half, then in quarters, so you will have generally the same size of all the pieces.
Gather your fresh thyme and chop up a small handful of it. You’ll also need about 16 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms.
Lastly, prepare your beef broth by dissolving two beef bouillon cubes in four cups of boiling water.
Step 2: Brown the meats
In a Dutch oven or a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and sausages to pot stirring occasionally until browned on all sides.
Using slotted spoon transfer meats into a separate dish lined with paper towel to soak excess fat from meat.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Add 2 more tablespoons of butter into the same pot of meat grease over medium heat, then add onions and garlic to sauté until aromatic and softened about 3 minutes.
Add sliced cremini mushrooms, continue sautéing for another 5 minutes until they are cooked through and softened.
Step 4: Add seasonings
Add back in your cut-up sausages and smoked bacon, along with the sliced Yukon potatoes to your Dutch oven or pot. Pour in your previously prepared beef broth mixture together with a can (13.5 oz) of Guinness beer adding some extra water if needed, along with tomato paste (about two tablespoons).
Season everything with salt, pepper and a small handful of thyme.
Step 5: Slow-cook until creamy and delicious
Reduce heat to simmer, cover the pot with a lid leaving it slightly open. Slow cook for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
You’ll know when it’s done when the liquids have thickened into a light gravy-like texture and potato pieces are cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Serve and top
Serve this delicious Irish Stew With Guinness, Potatoes, and Sausage Recipe while it’s hot. It goes perfectly with mashed potatoes or some warm bread rolls. Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit, let me give you a few ideas for substitutions and variations on this classic Irish stew recipe.
First of all, if you’re not a fan of sausages or just want to try something different, feel free to swap them out for lamb or mutton. This will give the stew a richer and more intense flavor that will be enjoyed by anyone.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this stew, you can skip the meats entirely and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can then add in your favorite vegetables such as carrots, celery, peas and green beans.
For those who prefer a spicier taste, try adding in some red pepper flakes or chili powder. This will give the dish an extra kick that’ll warm you right up on a chilly evening.
And finally, instead of serving the stew with mashed potatoes, try pairing it with crusty bread or boiled rice. The bread will help soak up all the delicious juices from the stew while the rice adds an extra level of texture to your meal.
So don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and see what delicious variations you can come up with!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve cooked up a hearty pot of Irish Stew with Guinness, Potatoes, and Sausage, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair this comfort food classic. I suggest serving this stew piping hot in large bowls surrounded by thick slices of crusty bread or rustic Irish Soda Bread.
For an authentic touch, you can drizzle some unsalted butter over the bread before toasting it to a golden brown. The buttery flavor will add an extra layer of richness to the meal. Or, you might want to mash some potatoes and serve them alongside your stew for a more filling meal.
As for pairing options, there are a few different directions you can go. A pint of Guinness or another dark stout is always a classic choice for any Irish recipe, but you might also consider a full-bodied red wine since this stew pairs well with tannin-rich wines. Alternatively, you could opt for a lighter beer or white wine if you prefer.
If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a cup of strong black tea would be an ideal match for this savory dish. And as always, water is great for cleansing the palate between bites.
Remember that this dish is hearty enough on its own so there’s no need for any additional sides unless desired. Serve it up with pride and savor the delicious flavor combinations of this traditional Irish comfort food classic!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Well now, if you’re anything like me, being able to get ahead in the kitchen is an absolute godsend. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of accomplishment when you know that all you have to do is heat it up in the oven come dinner time. Lucky for us, this Irish stew with Guinness, potatoes and sausage recipe can be made ahead and stored for later without sacrificing any flavor.
To make-ahead and store this hearty dish, simply follow the recipe how-to as instructed. Once cooked, let it cool down completely and then transfer the stew into an airtight container or freezer bag. Your Irish stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating your stew is quick and easy. Simply transfer your stew into a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until it has been heated through thoroughly. You can also reheat the stew in the microwave by transferring it to a microwave-safe dish and cooking it on high heat in increments of one minute until fully heated. Do keep in mind though, that when reheated, your vegetables may soften slightly but your meat will remain beautifully tender.
A quick tip before I sign off – while this stew can be reheated on the hob, I strongly advise against microwaving this hearty meal too often after freezing it as there is a risk of breaking down the flavors and texture over time. So just make sure to enjoy it fresh as much as possible!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make the perfect Irish Stew with Guinness, Potatoes and Sausage, let me share with you some tips on how to achieve a mouth-watering and hearty stew that will impress your guests on St. Patrick’s Day.
– The cut of the meat is important
For the beef stew meat, use less tender cuts like lamb or mutton. This will give the meat a chewier texture after it has been slow-cooked for several hours in the stew. If you prefer a tender meat, let it marinate overnight in red wine or beer.
– Brown the meat and sausages
Before adding the stew meat and sausages to the pot, make sure to brown them well in unsalted butter. This will add a layer of flavor and complexity to the stew and prevent it from tasting bland.
– Use fresh herbs
Fresh thyme adds a fragrant aroma to this Irish stew, so be sure to use it instead of dried thyme. Similarly, don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top before serving for added freshness.
– Add tomato paste
To intensify the flavors of the stew even further, add a tablespoon of tomato paste while stirring in the beef broth and Guinness beer.
– Simmer gently
Once everything is in the pot, simmer gently at low heat for a few hours until all the ingredients are tender and cooked through. Resist the temptation to turn up the heat as this may toughen up the meat.
By following these tips, you’ll have an irresistible pot of Irish Stew with Guinness, Potatoes and Sausage that will make everyone at your St. Patrick’s Day celebration say “top o’ the morning” in pleasure!
FAQ
Now that we have covered all the necessary information and details for making this delightful Irish Stew, it’s time to move on to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. This portion will answer some common queries and concerns regarding the recipe, making sure that you are fully equipped to prepare the delicious stew perfectly every time.
What is the difference between Irish stew and regular stew?
When it comes to stews, the kind of broth and meat used can make a significant difference. Beef stew usually entails cutting beef into cubes, generally from a stew meat or chuck roast. On the other hand, Irish stew typically implies the use of mutton or lamb, and it features a hearty broth made from beer.
What is traditional Irish stew made from?
The fundamental components of this dish consist of tender lamb, or mutton if preferred, which is derived from a mature sheep over a year old, and is typically more succulent and savory than its counterpart. Alongside the protein, the recipe entails the use of potatoes, onions, and parsley, with the occasional addition of carrot. Irish stew may also be made with kid.
What are the ingredients in Guinness stew?
When it comes to creating a rich and flavorful British cuisine, there are certain ingredients that are absolutely essential. Garlic and onion are two staples that cannot be overlooked, as they provide a bold and aromatic base for many dishes. Bacon is another ingredient that can take the flavor to the next level, adding depth and complexity. Carrot and celery are great options for adding some texture and heartiness to the dish, and if you’re looking to make it even heartier, potatoes could be added.
To thicken the sauce and boost the flavor, flour and tomato paste are indispensable. The tomato paste is especially important, as it can give the dish a nice sweetness and acidity. Additionally, the rich and savory flavor of Guinness beer is a must-have, as it can add a complex layer of depth to the dish. To combine all of these flavors, a good broth or liquid stock should be used as the braising liquid. With the right mix of these key ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a truly delicious British cuisine masterpiece.
What is the name famous Irish stew?
The famous Irish dish known as ballymaloe or stobhach gaelach in Gaelic is a stew consisting of sheep or lamb meat, along with potatoes, onions, and parsley. The broth is typically made using the neck bones, shanks, and any other leftovers.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this Irish Stew With Guinness, Potatoes and Sausage Recipe is the perfect way to honor St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with your loved ones. The combination of tender beef stew meat, sausages, cremini mushrooms, Yukon gold potatoes, and thyme in a rich tomato and beef broth spiked with Guinness beer will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.
Whether you are a fan of traditional Irish cuisine or just appreciate a well-made stew, this recipe is sure to impress. It is easy to make, versatile with substitutions and variations, and can be stored and reheated for leftovers throughout the week.
So go ahead and grab your dutch oven or slow cooker and get ready to make the best Irish stew of your life. Make sure to pair it with some mashed potatoes, a pint of Guinness beer, or a glass of hearty red wine for the ultimate dining experience. Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
Irish Stew With Guinness, Potatoes and Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 thick slices-hickory smoked bacon
- 8 fresh pork sausages
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 large onions, julienne
- 4 medium sized yukon gold potatoes
- 1 lb cremini mushroom
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (11 1/4 ounce) bottle Guinness stout (beer)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Quarter the potatoes, and blanch until just tender.
- Brown sausage and bacon.
- Sauté garlic, onions, potatoes, and mushrooms in butter.
- Place the sausages, bacon, and vegetable mixture in large pot.
- Add the broth and Guinness stout and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer at least 1 hour.
- Finish with thyme, salt, pepper, and butter.
- Serve as a stew with Irish soda bread or other hearty bread.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.