Deliciously Traditional Irish Stew Recipe to Warm Your Soul
Ah, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Irish stew on a chilly day. It’s hearty, comforting, and has been enjoyed by the Irish for generations. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy, this recipe for modern Irish stew is sure to hit the spot.
Unlike traditional Irish stew, which often calls for tough cuts of lamb or beef that need hours of simmering to become tender, this version uses boneless lamb chops or a lamb shoulder cut into two-inch pieces. The dish is made in the Instant Pot or on the stove and comes together easily.
But don’t let the simplified preparation fool you – this stew is bursting with flavor. A splash of Guinness and coffee adds depth and richness, while new potatoes and root vegetables make it even heartier. And for added freshness, we’ll finish it off with a sprinkling of chives and parsley before serving.
So why not make some Irish stew tonight? It’s a dish that will warm not only your body but also your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you crave hearty, comforting food on a cold winter day? Do you enjoy experimenting with new twists on traditional recipes? Then this Modern Irish Stew Recipe is perfect for you!
Not only is it full of tender lamb and root vegetables, but it also includes a surprise ingredient that will elevate the dish to the next level: Guinness stout. Yes, you read that right! Adding Guinness to this stew creates a deep, rich complexity that sets it apart from other Beef or Traditional Irish Stews.
With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, this recipe is a great way to celebrate while satisfying your hunger. It’s easy to make and can be prepared in an Instant Pot or simmered slowly on the stove. Either way, the results are equally delicious.
But what really sets this stew apart are its fresh herbs – chives and parsley – which add brightness and freshness to the rich flavors of the meat and vegetables. Trust me, this stew is a mouthwatering experience that you won’t want to miss out on!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the hearty and flavorful ingredients that make up this modern take on traditional Irish stew.
- 2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder or beef chuck, cut into 2 inch chunks
- Salt and pepper, to season the meat
- Plain flour, for coating the meat
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 4 cups of lamb stock or beef stock
- 1 can of Guinness beer or brewed coffee (for a non-alcoholic option)
- 8 small new potatoes, cut in half
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh chives, finely chopped
For the best result, use the freshest ingredients that you can find. You can substitute the lamb with mutton, beef, or even lamb chops for a different taste. Feel free to add more root vegetables such as turnips, parsnips, and rutabagas for additional flavor and nutrients.
The Recipe How-To
To make this modern Irish stew recipe, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Brown the Lamb
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces, with salt and pepper. Dust with 3 tablespoons plain flour and brown in batches in the Dutch oven until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: Saute the Vegetables
In the same Dutch oven, add another tablespoon of oil if needed, then saute 2 cups chopped onions for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 roughly chopped celery stalks. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are soft.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Herbs
Pour in 4 cups lamb stock and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and add back in the browned lamb chunks. Stir in a sprig of fresh thyme, a bay leaf or two, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley. Cover and simmer for about an hour or until the lamb is tender.
Step 4: Add Root Vegetables and Potatoes
Add in about 1 pound of peeled and roughly chopped new potatoes and root vegetables like carrots or parsnips at this point. You can also use frozen peas or baby turnips if you like. Simmer for another half hour or until everything is cooked through.
Optional Step: Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Method
If you want to use your slow cooker or Instant Pot instead, you can follow these steps:
For the slow cooker method:
- Brown lamb and sauté veggies as instructed above.
- Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
For the Instant Pot method:
- Brown lamb and sauté veggies as instructed above.
- Add in all ingredients except for the potatoes and root vegetables.
- Close the lid, set the pressure to high, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for a few minutes before opening the lid and adding in the potatoes and root vegetables.
- Cook for another 10-15 minutes until everything is tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Discard thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and parsley stems. Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Now that you have mastered this modern Irish stew recipe, it’s time to invite your friends over and get your stew on.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try switching up some of the ingredients to put your own twist on this classic dish. Here are some substitution ideas that will take your Modern Irish Stew to the next level:
– Meat: Instead of lamb, try using beef chuck or even venison for a gamey flavor. You can also substitute the boneless lamb with lamb chops or mutton.
– Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your root vegetables based on what’s in season. Try chopped parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes in place of carrots or potatoes.
– Herbs: Replace chives and parsley with thyme, rosemary or oregano for different flavorful variations.
– Beer: If you’re looking to replace Guinness beer, try coffee-based stout or dark ale instead.
– Flour: Plain flour can be substituted with cornstarch or any Gluten-free flour blends.
Remember that recipes are meant to be played around with, so feel free to customize the recipe based on your personal preferences. The possibilities are endless when it comes to experimenting and adopting new techniques. Just make sure you keep the core elements of a traditional Irish stew intact, ensuring that you respect the heritage and comfort brought by this iconic dish.
Serving and Pairing
Serving up a hearty Irish stew is indeed a special affair, whether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just need some feel-good comfort food on a chilly night. This mouthwatering stew is best served hot with some freshly chopped chives and parsley sprinkled over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
When it comes to pairing, there really are no rules as this stew can be quite versatile. However, I suggest enjoying this stew with a glass of Guinness beer on the side for the ultimate Irish experience. The rich and malty flavor of the Guinness pairs beautifully with the tender lamb meat and root vegetables in this dish.
Alternatively, you can serve this stew with some crusty bread or soda bread that has been toasted to bring out its nutty flavors. The crispy texture of the bread serves as an excellent counterbalance to the hearty and aromatic stew.
Finally, don’t forget to set aside some leftovers for a delicious lunch or dinner the next day! The flavors of this stew intensify over time, making it even more delicious when reheated. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat in a saucepan over low heat for best results.
Whether you are serving this Modern Irish Stew Recipe to family or friends, it’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy piping hot bowls of this traditional yet modern Irish dish with your loved ones and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Ireland.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I know that you may not always have the time to make your stew right before your guests arrive. That’s why this recipe is great for making ahead of time. You can prepare the stew up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat and serve it.
When it comes to storing your Irish stew, make sure to transfer it into an airtight container or a large glass baking dish with foil cover. This will help prevent any air from getting in, which can dry out the meat and vegetables.
To reheat, simply transfer the stew into a large pot and heat over low heat until it’s warmed through. It’s best to keep an eye on your stew while reheating to avoid overcooking or drying out the potatoes, carrots and other root vegetables.
One of my favourite things about this recipe is that it’s actually perfect for freezing too. Just let the stew cool down completely before transferring it into a freezer-friendly container. This dish is convenient when you have unexpected visitors who come to join you for dinner or lunch.
Whether you refrigerate or freeze your stew, just remember not to keep it for more than three months. It’s essential to store the stew properly, so as not to compromise its flavour and overall quality.
So, there you have it – my tips for preparing and enjoying this delicious modern take on traditional Irish Stew anytime you want without worrying about time constraints or leftovers.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect Irish stew is no easy feat. It requires patience, attention to detail and an understanding of the ingredients used. Here are some tips to ensure a flawless result every time you make this comforting dish.
Firstly, use quality lamb shoulder or boneless lamb for your stew. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking and will become tender and flavorful as they cook. Avoid using beef chuck or other meat cuts as they can be tough and chewy.
Next, cut your lamb into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper before browning them in a hot skillet. This technique locks in the flavors and creates a delicious crust on the meat.
When making Irish stew, it’s important to not overcook the root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. Cut them into equal-sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly. Add them towards the end of cooking so that they don’t turn mushy but retain their texture.
Another tip is to make your own lamb stock instead of using store-bought ones. This takes the flavor to another level altogether and makes for a truly authentic Irish stew experience.
For even more depth of flavor, you can incorporate Guinness beer – a famous Irish stout – which adds richness to the recipe. You can also add some freshly chopped parsley and chives during the last few minutes of cooking for added freshness and vibrancy.
Lastly, give your Irish stew enough time to simmer slowly on low heat until all the flavors have melded together perfectly; this is crucial for a melt-in-your-mouth tender lamb stew.
By following these tips, you can make the best version of traditional Irish stew or modern Irish beef stew recipe out there!
Bottom Line
The Modern Irish Stew recipe is not just any other ordinary stew. It reflects the essence of Ireland’s traditional heritage and its modern-day culinary evolution, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. From its hearty ingredients to its easy preparation and versatility, there are countless reasons why this stew is loved not only by Irish people but also by people from all over the world.
So why not try this delicious Modern Irish Stew recipe and taste what all the fuss is about? Whether you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or just want some hearty comfort food, this stew is sure to please. With its tender lamb, flavorful root vegetables, and savory gravy made with Guinness beer, this stew is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and modern twist on traditional Irish cuisine.
And if you’re looking for other ways to make your celebrations even more special, don’t hesitate to explore other popular Irish dishes such as beef stew, lamb casserole or mutton stew. Whatever your preference may be, there’s an Irish recipe out there for everyone!
So, gather your family and friends, pour some Guinness (or coffee, if you prefer), and tuck into a bowl of delicious Modern Irish Stew. I promise you that you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!
Modern Irish Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 lamb chops
- 500 g baby onions
- 750 g baby new potatoes
- 270 g baby carrots
- 3 sprigs lemon thyme
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 600 ml lamb stock
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- chopped parsley, and (to garnish)
- chives (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C, 350°F, Gas 4. Brown the chops in a non-stick frying pan, then layer up in a large flameproof casserole with the vegetables and thyme, seasoning between layers.
- Pour off the excess fat from the frying pan and add the flour. Stir well to make a paste, then cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the stock to make a smooth sauce and bring to the boil.
- Pour the liquid over the meat and vegetables and bring to a simmer on the hob. Cover and cook in the lower half of the oven for 2 hours or until the lamb is tender.
- Garnish with the freshly chopped herbs and serve with Savoy cabbage, if wished.
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.