Hearty Irish Stew Recipe: A Comforting Delight
When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a hearty stew. And what could be more comforting than a classic Irish Stew? With tender beef or lamb, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish has been satisfying hungry bellies for generations. As a chef specializing in classic British cuisine, I’ve honed my recipe over the years to create a quick and easy version of this beloved staple.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty winter meal or want to impress friends and family with your culinary skills, my Quick Irish Stew Recipe is the perfect choice. This one-pot wonder is easy to make and packed full of flavor. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My fellow foodies, let me tell you why you’ll fall in love with this quick Irish stew recipe. First off, who doesn’t enjoy a warm hearty meal that can be prepared in just one pot? This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, the combination of tender beef stew meat, savory vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, flavored with dried thyme leaves and garlic cloves creates an irresistible aroma that will make your neighbors come knocking on your door.
But what sets this recipe apart from other stews is its unique ingredient – beer! That’s right, a generous splash of beer enhances the rich flavors of the beef broth and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the beef stew meat with lamb or mutton for a traditional Irish flavor. Want to kick it up a notch? Replace the beef broth with Guinness beer for an unforgettable Guinness stew experience.
To summarize, this recipe is perfect for any day of the week, easy to customize and offers an exquisite taste that will make all your taste buds dance with joy. One bite of this easy Irish stew, and you’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to Dublin’s coziest pub.
Ingredient List
Ingredients 1:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 pounds stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bottle of beer (Guinness or your favorite stout)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 potatoes, cut into chunks
Ingredients 2:
- Cornstarch slurry made with water
Note: You can also add celery, mushrooms, or turnips to your taste.
This Irish Stew recipe calls for using a Dutch oven, but you can also use a large pot.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Stew Ingredients
To begin preparing the quick Irish stew, gather all Irish stew ingredients beforehand.
First, cut 2 lbs stew meat into 1-inch pieces. A rule of thumb is to use meat with a good amount of marbling as this helps keep the meat tender while cooking. I prefer beef stew meat, but lamb works too.
Next, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Once the oil is hot enough, add the stew meat pieces and cook until slightly browned on all sides, around 3-4 minutes each side.
Remove the cooked meat from the pot and set aside for later.
Now it’s time to prep the vegetables. Peel and dice 2 medium-sized potatoes, then wash and peel 4 carrots, cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Slice one large onion into thin rings, then crush 2 garlic cloves with a knife or press them with a garlic press.
Once done with vegetable prep work, return the pot to its heat source and pour in 4 cups of beef broth or water, adding in chopped onion and garlic. Bring everything to a simmer while stirring gently to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Mixing Ingredients Together
Once the broth mixture comes to a low boil, place the browned stew meat back into the pot with 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, mixing everything together.
Add in the diced potatoes and sliced carrots back into the pot before seasoning with salt and pepper. Be sure to stir everything well before lowering heat and letting cook for about 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
The final step for this quick Irish stew recipe is to thicken up its gravy with a slurry mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch and ”1/4 cup water” until combined.
Add this to the pot of stew, stirring everything continuously until the mixture has thickened. Once you have your desired thickness, remove your quick Irish stew from heat.
And voila, your easy Irish stew is now ready to serve!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to change things up, I have some substitutions and variations for you to try! Here are a few ideas:
– Lamb Stew: If you’re not a fan of beef or would like to explore something different, try using lamb stew meat instead. Lamb has a milder taste and is also very tender, making it perfect for stews.
– Guinness Stew: For a traditional Irish twist, substitute the beef broth with Guinness beer. This will add a rich, malty flavor to the stew that pairs well with the other ingredients.
– Mutton Stew: To really embrace Irish cuisine, opt for mutton instead of beef, which is a common ingredient in traditional Irish stews. Mutton is more commonly used in parts of Europe than in North America, but it’s worth seeking out to give your dish an authentic flavor.
– Vegetarian Irish Stew: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the stew meat with mushrooms or tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make this dish completely meat-free.
– Slow Cooker Irish Stew: If you’re short on time or prefer to use a slow cooker instead of a stove top method, simply transfer everything into your slow cooker after browning the meat on high heat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
Remember that these substitutions may alter the flavor and texture of the original recipe, so adjust accordingly and experiment as much as you’d like.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve cooked up a storm creating this tempting Irish stew, it’s time to know what to pair with it. This dish is already an absolute sensation on its own, but when served the right way it can elevate your taste buds to the next level.
Since the stew’s flavors magnificently intermingle to create an exquisite tasty experience, I personally recommend pairing it with some soft and fluffy bread rolls, as they soak up the excess sauce in each bite. Another perfect pairing is crusty sourdough bread or Irish soda bread since these bread types enhance the taste and texture of the stew.
If you want to enjoy your meal with a pint of beer, Guinness beer is a natural option considering Ireland’s rich brewing heritage. The slight bitterness of the pint nicely cuts through the richness of the stew, balancing flavors and producing an ideal match.
For a healthier side to your meal, green beans or peas make delicious vegetable accompaniments as their freshness and crunch compliment the hearty meat stew. Additionally, you can include a crisp salad or roasted seasonal vegetables such as squash, carrot or turnips.
No matter which sides you choose to offer alongside quick Irish stew, don’t miss out on giving yourself another scoop in case an extra serving is necessary!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Irish stew, making it ahead of time is a wise decision. The flavors become more enhanced as it marinates over time. Additionally, cooking it in advance allows you to save time during meal prep when you’re in a rush.
Once you have made the dish, let it cool down first and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. The stew can be reheated on the stove-top using a low heat setting, or use the microwave if you’re short on time.
To reheat in the microwave, transfer the desired amount of cold stew into a microwave-safe container and cover it loosely with a lid or damp paper towel. Cook on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until it’s hot.
The great news is that this quick Irish stew freezes well too! Put it in an air-tight container and freeze for up to three months. Before serving, thaw and reheat slowly over low heat until heated thoroughly.
Try making double or triple batches of this delicious Irish stew at once so that you will always have a satisfying meal ready whenever hunger strikes!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking the perfect Quick Irish Stew can be challenging, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some essential tips to get the most delicious flavor and tender texture when making this dish:
1. Use good quality Stew Meat: Be sure to choose high-quality stew meat from your butcher or grocery store. The cut should be well-marbled with fat and have good connective tissue that will break down during cooking, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
2. Brown the Meat: Take the time to properly brown your meat before adding it to the pot. This step will create a delicious crust on the meat and add extra depth of flavor to your dish.
3. Add Vegetables at the Right Time: Adding vegetables too soon can result in overcooked veggies or undercooked meat. As a rule of thumb, you should add root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the beginning of cooking, while more delicate veggies like peas and spinach should be added towards the end.
4. Don’t Overcook: Cooking your stew for too long can result in tough, dry meat and mushy vegetables. Cook for just enough time until everything is tender and cooked through.
5. Let it Rest: Once your Quick Irish Stew is cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop further, resulting in a rich taste that your family will love.
By following these simple tips and recommendations, you can make sure your quick Irish stew comes out perfectly every time!
FAQ
As a chef, I understand that cooking can often be confusing, and you may have questions about certain steps or ingredients. That is why I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions in regards to this Quick Irish Stew recipe. From ingredient substitutions to cooking methods, read on for answers to your burning questions!
What’s the difference between stew and Irish stew?
When it comes to stew, the type of meat and broth used can make all the difference. While beef stew typically relies on diced beef, like a chuck roast or stew meat, Irish stew typically uses lamb or mutton and a hearty beer-based broth.
Which ingredients do you need for an Irish stew?
While some may argue that a proper Irish stew should only include mutton, onions, and potatoes, the truth is that various vegetables such as carrots, celery, turnips, and parsnips are common and traditional ingredients that can be added to make a delicious and authentic Irish stew. Leeks, kale, and cabbage are also tasty and classic choices to include in this hearty dish.
What cut of beef is best for Irish stew?
When it comes to preparing a delicious stew, selecting the right cut of beef is paramount. One of the best and most widely used options for this dish is chuck steak, which is also referred to as braising steak or gravy beef. This cut is obtained from the front part of the cow, made up of the shoulder blade, upper arm, and neck. Not only is chuck steak accessible and easy to find in most grocery stores, but it is also quite reasonable, making it an ideal choice for making your stew.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this quick Irish stew recipe is the perfect dish for those who want a hearty and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With affordable ingredients that are easy to find, this stew has everything you love about traditional Irish cuisine while being simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.
Make sure to use quality ingredients like beef broth, dried thyme leaves and extra virgin olive oil so that your stew turns out as delicious as possible. And don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own.
In my opinion, this Irish stew recipe will soon become one of your go-to dishes that you can whip up in just under an hour. So why not give it a try? You’ll surely appreciate the simplicity of its ingredients and the comforting warmth of its taste.
Quick Irish Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh sliced carrots
- 2 cups potatoes, wedges chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 16 ounces refrigerated prepared roast beef in gravy
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 cup beer
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until crisp tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add carrots; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes longer. Add potato wedges and beef broth; cover and bring to a simmer.
- Meanwhile, cut roast beef into 1" chunks; add to soup along with gravy from pkg, thyme, and beer. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until beef is hot and stew is slightly thickened. In small bowl, combine cornstarch and water and blend well. Stir into stew; cook and stir for 4-5 minutes longer until stew is thickened. Serves 6.
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.