Mouth-Watering Irish Stew: A Must-Try Recipe!
As soon as the aroma of hearty, comforting stew fills the air, I can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort. In my kitchen, it’s Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings that does the trick. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold winter day or just searching for a hearty meal to satisfy your cravings, this traditional Irish dish is sure to hit the spot.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I take pride in creating meals that not only taste delicious but also bring people together. With its roots deeply planted in Ireland, this stew has become a staple on dinner tables across the globe. But what sets this version apart from others is the addition of fragrant parsley dumplings. The subtle seasoning and texture give this dish a unique twist that will have you going back for seconds!
So get ready to sit down to some unforgettable comfort food with Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings. And don’t be surprised if this becomes a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a warm, comforting bowl of Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings? This traditional dish from the heart of Ireland is packed full of rich, savory flavors and tender chunks of lamb, potatoes, turnips, and carrots.
One reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few hours of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
But what really sets this Irish Stew apart is the addition of parsley dumplings. These delectable little balls of goodness are infused with fresh parsley and thyme, giving them a pleasing aromatic flavor that complements the hearty stew perfectly. Nutmeg is also added to elevate the flavor game.
This stew parsley dumplings recipe is incredibly versatile too. Don’t have lamb on hand? No worries, beef is equally as good. Want something even heartier? Add shredded cabbage towards the end of the cooking time.
The main difference between Irish stew and other stews is that it uses lean lamb instead of beef chuck roast. The meat compliments very well with vegetables ensuring everyone enjoys all the flavors in one bite.
So whether you’re looking for a delicious dinner for your family on a cold winter night or hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, this Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings recipe will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and contented.
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need to make this hearty Irish stew with parsley dumplings recipe. Make sure to have all these ingredients before you start cooking!
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs lean lamb, cut into chunks
- 3 potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 turnips, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Parsley Dumplings:
- 1 cup biscuit mix/flour
- ½ tsp salt
- â…› tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional vegetables to add to the stew:
- Cabbage
- Peas
Notes:
- You can also use beef instead of lamb for the stew.
- If you don’t have biscuit mix, you can make your own by combining 1 cup flour, 1 and a half teaspoons of baking powder and half a teaspoon of salt.
Now that we’ve got everything we need let’s start creating some delicious dishes!
The Recipe How-To
Let me show you how to make a traditional Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings that is bursting with flavor, comfort, and all the goodness of Irish cuisine. This dish will warm your heart, soul, and taste buds.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather and prepare your ingredients before you start cooking. You will need:
- 2 lbs lean lamb or beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced
- 4 turnips, peeled and sliced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced into chunks
- 4 cups water
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- A handful of chopped fresh parsley leaves
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Season the meat with salt and pepper, then coat it in flour. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meat and brown it on all sides. This should take about five minutes.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the onion to the pot with the meat and cook until softened, stirring occasionally for about five minutes. Add turnips, carrots, potatoes, thyme sprigs, nutmeg, water, salt & pepper to taste (around one tsp each). Lower heat and let it simmer for two hours.
Step 4: Make Parsley Dumplings
Meanwhile, prepare parsley dumplings by mixing together biscuit mix or self-rising flour with milk until you make a doughy batter. Next add chopped parsley leaves (a handful), stir gently to incorporate them into the dough.
Step 5: Add Parsley Dumplings
Scoop tablespoons of the dumpling batter and drop them into the simmering broth on top of the stew, cover and continue to cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings become puffy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings is now ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with shredded cabbage or extra parsley sprinkle, and enjoy! The warm and flavorful Irish stew paired with the soft and savory herb dumplings is a comforting meal that is sure to impress.
Substitutions and Variations
When cooking Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings, there are several ingredients that you can easily substitute to suit your taste and preferences. For instance, you could swap lamb meat with beef or try a combination of both. A chunky chuck roast also works well in place of lean lamb, especially if you’re looking for a richer texture.
If you’re not a fan of turnips, substitute them with more carrots or potatoes. Likewise, you can use other herbs like rosemary or oregano in place of thyme.
For the dumplings, biscuit mix is a great alternative to self-rising flour. You can also experiment with different types of cheese besides cheddar for the cheddar herb dumplings or parsley dulse crusted dumplings. Freshly grated parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor that pairs well with savory lamb stew.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables such as green beans or mushrooms. Alternatively, you could make herby dumplings or serve it over mashed potatoes instead.
Another variation of this recipe is Mulligan Stew. It’s a thicker and heartier stew that uses beef chuck roasted slowly in Guinness beer until tender. Delia Smith has an excellent recipe for Beef and Guinness Casserole on BBC Food that I highly recommend if you’re looking to switch things up.
No matter which substitutions or variations you choose to make, don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Friends, once you have prepared this Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings, the experience of serving and devouring it is simply divine. As you gather around the pot, let the hearty aroma of herbs and tender lamb take you away to the rolling hills of Ireland.
This stew truly warms the body and soul with its thick, savory broth and comforting dumplings. And while it’s certainly delicious on its own, there are a few pairing options that can elevate the dish even further.
I recommend serving this stew alongside a crusty baguette or loaf of Irish soda bread to soak up all the delicious gravy. A pint of Guinness or a robust red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec will perfectly complement the bold flavors of the lamb and spices.
For a lighter meal, consider serving this stew as a side dish to grilled chicken or steak. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette.
Take inspiration from Delia Smith or BBC Food and serve this stew with some steamed cabbage or roasted root vegetables. The earthy flavors will be the perfect complement to the hearty savory broth.
In conclusion, this Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings is truly versatile in its pairing options. From beer to wine, bread to salad, sides to hearty vegetables — any accompaniment that speaks to your palate can make for a brilliant match.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Here is some valuable information on how to make this Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings recipe suitable for making ahead, storing, and reheating, should you have any leftovers.
To make-ahead, you can prepare the stew ingredients separately from the parsley dumplings. In other words, make the lamb stew earlier in the day or the night before and refrigerate in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. Then when ready to serve, reheat the stew until hot and follow the steps for cooking the dumplings.
When storing any leftover Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings, make sure to cool it first before transferring it into a lidded container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the stew in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
To reheat any refrigerated leftovers preferred using your microwave or stovetop. To use your microwave, place a portion of the lamb stew with dumplings into a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a tight-fitting lid or paper towel; heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot. To use your stovetop, heat up the lamb stew on medium heat in a saucepan stirring occasionally for about 10-15 minutes until hot.
A traditional Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings is always better when served fresh; however, now you know storing and reheating tips that will help ensure consistently delicious results every time you make this recipe.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a perfect Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings, there are a few tips that could take your recipe to the next level. Here are some tips that you should consider to get the best out of your cooking.
1) One of the essential things in making Irish Stew is seasoning it properly. You should season the lamb generously with salt and pepper before you start browning it. Make sure you taste the stew regularly as it cooks and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2) To thicken the stew with flour, make sure you dredge the meat in flour before browning it in a pot. Alternatively, you can add a mixture of flour and water into the hot liquid at the end of the cooking process to thicken your stew.
3) When making Dumplings, ensure that you don’t overcrowd your pot. Leave enough space for them to expand while simmering. Also, let them cook in seasoned boiling water for ten minutes until they have fluffed up nicely.
4) When adding salt to dumplings dough, add it when you are about to make them, not before. Adding salt too early draws out water from the flour, which makes them tough instead of light and fluffy.
5) A splash of milk or cream added to the parsley dumpling mixture adds richness and flavor.
6) If you don’t have biscuit mix on hand for dumplings, don’t worry! You can easily make your homemade version. Mix 1 cup of self-rising flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt to make one cup of biscuit mix.
Follow these tips, and you will have a warm and comforting Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings ready in no time!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions that come up while making this Irish Stew with Parsley Dumplings recipe. I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you in making any necessary adjustments or substitutions. Let’s get started!
What makes Irish stew different from regular stew?
While both beef stew and Irish stew are hearty and wholesome dishes, there are subtle but distinctive differences between the two. The type of meat and the base of the broth are the main factors that set them apart. Beef stew usually calls for chunks of beef, while Irish stew typically features lamb or mutton and a flavorful, thick broth made with beer.
Which ingredients do you need for an Irish stew?
While some might argue that a true Irish stew comprises solely of mutton, onions and potatoes, it’s worth noting that the dish can be prepared with a variety of other ingredients. In fact, carrots, celery, turnips, swedes, parsnips, leek, kale and cabbage are all common, and even traditional, additions that can enhance the flavor and depth of this classic dish.
What is the difference between Irish stew and Mulligan stew?
Two popular stew dishes in Ireland are Mulligan stew and Irish stew. While both stews share many similarities in ingredients, the main difference lies in the type of meat used. Irish stew typically includes lamb or mutton, while Mulligan stew features beef. Additionally, Mulligan stew often contains an assortment of vegetables, making the recipe more varied and customizable.
What gave the Irish stew its fresh flavor passage?
This recipe typically includes a combination of root vegetables, potentially incorporating Pearl Barley, and is traditionally slow-cooked in water.
Bottom Line
My fellow food enthusiasts, if you haven’t tried Irish stew with parsley dumplings yet, I implore you to give it a shot! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for cozy nights in or special occasions. The savory stew and tender dumplings are a match made in culinary heaven.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re in the mood for lamb or beef, traditional or cheddar herb dumplings, there’s a variation of this stew that suits everyone’s preference.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also allows you to explore the rich culture of Ireland through its cuisine. From the classic Mulligan stew to the modern Guinness beef casserole, Irish stew has been enjoyed for centuries and continues to be a staple in households across Ireland and beyond.
So why not switch up your typical dinner routine and try something new? Put on some traditional Irish tunes, gather your loved ones, and dive into a warm bowl of Irish stew with parsley dumplings. You won’t be disappointed!
As Delia Smith once said, “A lot of people think cooking is complicated – that it’s an activity beyond their capabilities. But I disagree; cooking is simply about understanding basic techniques and using them to create dishes full of flavor and enjoyment.” So go ahead, give this recipe a try and immerse yourself in the flavors of Ireland. Sláinte! (Cheers!)
Irish Stew With Parsley Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb cabbage, cored, quartere1/2 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 lbs lamb, for stew cut in serving pieces
- 3 tablespoons fat
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- boiling water, to cover (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, scraped and diced
- 2 -3 turnips, quartered
- parsley dumplings (optional, recipe follows)
- parsley dumplings
- 2 cups biscuit mix
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 cup minced parsley
- 1/2 cup boiling water or 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Blend the flour, salt and pepper and dredge the meet in the flour mixture. brown in the hot fat in a skillet. Transfer to a heavy pot.
- Cook onion in fat until lightly colored, then add to the meat. Add boiling water to cover meat, cover pot tightly, simmer at low heat 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Blanch potatoes by covering them with boiling water; drain. Add potatoes, carrots and turnips to stew during the last 20 minutes.
- Cook until vegetables are tender. To thicken sauce, blend part of the flour mixture used for dredging the meat with sauce from the pot to make a thin paste, add this to the sauce in the pot, simmer until thickened. If dumplings are to be added, prepare as in the following recipe.
- Combine the biscuit mix with the seasonings, blending well. Add water or milk, stir to moisten. Drop by the spoonfuls on top of the boiling stew, cover and cook 12 minutes.
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.