Delicious Slow Cooker Irish Stew Recipe
Are you looking for a heartwarming and healthy meal to share with family and friends? Look no further than my Slimming World Friendly Slow Cooker Irish Stew Recipe.
This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, featuring tender lean lamb, filling pearl barley, and hearty root vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, and carrots. The result is an irresistible stew that will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.
But what really sets this dish apart is its slimming world-friendly nature. By using lean stewing beef with the fat removed and cooking spray instead of oil or butter, we have created a low-fat version of the classic Irish stew that won’t derail your healthy eating plan.
So fire up your slow cooker and get ready to simmer the day away with this wholesome and delicious Slimming World Friendly Slow Cooker Irish Stew Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you been searching for a delicious and healthy recipe that will satisfy your cravings without sabotaging your slimming world goals? Look no further than this Slimming World Friendly Slow Cooker Irish Stew Recipe.
First and foremost, this stew is packed with hearty vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and onions. Each bite is bursting with flavor as the tender veggies soak up the savory broth made from hot water, beef bouillon cubes, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. But there’s more to love about this Irish stew than just its wholesome ingredients.
For one, it’s incredibly easy to make thanks to the convenience of a slow cooker. Let the magic happen as the lean lamb or beef simmers away for hours on low heat with pearl barley and more veggies. Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly – it doesn’t take much to build a perfect slow cooker beef stew.
Here’s where things really get interesting: despite its rich flavors, this Irish stew is incredibly low in fat (with fat removed) and calories. You can enjoy a hearty bowl or two without any guilt. It’s a perfect slow cooker recipe that will help you stay on track with your Slimming World goals while keeping you warm and filling you up on even the coldest nights.
In short, this friendly slow cooker Irish Stew Recipe offers the best of both worlds: it tastes fantastic while fitting into your diet plan. So why not give it a try? Your tastebuds – and your waistline – will thank you for it!
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have all our ingredients on hand. This hearty and low-fat Irish stew recipe is packed with tender chunks of lean lamb paired with earthy vegetables like potatoes, parsnip, and carrots. Let’s gather these veggies and few more key ingredients such as onions, bay leaves and dried rosemary.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 500 g lean stewing beef
- 200 g lean lamb, fat removed, cut into large chunks
- 125 g pearl barley
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3 medium onions, peeled and diced
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 bay leaves
- A pinch of dried rosemary
- Cooking spray
- Hot water
Make sure to check the pantry for key ingredients such as beef bouillon cubes before heading out to the market to ensure a budget-friendly shopping list.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the exciting part of preparing the ingredients, let’s move on to the actual cooking. Generally, cooking Irish stew involves various steps including searing meat, browning onions and simmering all ingredients together. But with a slow cooker, the process is dramatically simplified for even an inexperienced chef.
Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Peel and chop 4 medium potatoes, 3 medium carrots, 3 small parsnips and 3 medium onions into large chunks.
Step 2: Browning the meat
Heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add the diced lean lamb and fry quickly until browned on both sides. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Preparing the stew
Add all the vegetables into your slow cooker along with the browned lamb. Then add in two beef bouillon cubes, 2 bay leaves and 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary. Add sufficient hot water until it’s at an appropriate level, then stir well.
Step 4: Cooking
Set your slow cooker on low heat for about six hours or high heat for three to four hours. If you prefer more a tender result let it cook for a couple of hours longer though you shouldn’t need to go beyond ten hours cooking time regardless of what setting you’re using.
Step 5: Finishing touches
Around 20 minutes before finishing add in 200 g pearl barley with half liter water if needed as it soaks up a lot of liquid). In case you want to thicken your stew further, you can also mix about one tablespoon of flour in cold water to produce a slurry; then stir this slowly into the stew while it’s still cooking then allow it a further couple of minutes cooking time to thicken the stew.
Once it’s cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers. Recipe serves 8 people. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about cooking is the ability to make a recipe your own by experimenting with substitutions and variations. While traditional Irish stew recipes call for specific ingredients, there are ways to mix things up with this Slimming World friendly slow cooker Irish stew recipe.
If you prefer chicken over lamb or beef, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in place of the stewing beef or lamb. Additionally, if you’re looking to keep this stew even leaner, try using turkey breast instead. It offers a similar texture and flavor but with less fat.
For those who are vegetarian or looking to reduce their meat intake, try substituting the meat with mushrooms or lentils. These will give the dish a similar heartiness without the animal protein. You could also swap pearl barley for quinoa to add more protein and nutrients.
Another way to switch up this recipe is by adding celery or leeks to the mix for some extra flavor and nutrition. You could also switch up the herbs – try fresh thyme instead of rosemary.
If you prefer a thicker stew consistency, consider adding a couple of handfuls of leafy greens such as spinach or kale just before serving. They’ll wilt down and add some extra nutrition to your meal.
Overall, there’s no wrong way to make a delicious Irish stew – get creative with your substitutions and variations and see what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made this incredible Slimming World Friendly Slow Cooker Irish Stew Recipe, it is time to enjoy it to the fullest. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a gathering with friends and family.
To serve the stew, ladle the hot stew into bowls and sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. I love to pair this stew with warm crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes. The bread is perfect for dipping into the stew and soaking up all the delicious flavors. Alternatively, you can also serve it over steamed rice, couscous, or quinoa.
This stew is versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts make a great low-carb option. Serve a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli on the side for added nutrition.
If you are entertaining guests, try serving this stew with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The tannins in the wine will complement the richness of the dish perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving this stew with apple cider or hot tea.
Remember that this stew can become even more flavorful as it sits in your fridge overnight. It’s perfect for meal prep so that you can have healthy and fulfilling meals during your busy weekdays.
I hope you enjoy this Slimming World Friendly Slow Cooker Irish Stew Recipe as much as I do. Bon appétit!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the many advantages of slow cooker recipes is that they are very convenient for meal-prepping. You can easily make this Slimming World Friendly Slow Cooker Irish Stew ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve it.
To make it ahead, simply follow all the steps of the recipe as instructed and allow the stew to cool down completely before storing it. You can either transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the stew either on low heat on your stove, in the microwave, or back in your slow cooker until piping hot throughout.
If you plan on storing leftovers, make sure to transfer them to an airtight container as soon as possible after serving. The stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, but it’s not recommended freezing leftovers as this may affect the consistency.
When reheating leftover stew, add a splash of hot water to loosen up any thickened sauce that might have formed when storing. It will help retain the flavor and texture of your dish.
Furthermore, this recipe allows you to save money without compromising on taste. With its budget-friendly ingredients and make-ahead abilities, you won’t have to worry about spending too much time in front of the stove.
Remember, a great stew can take some time to develop its full flavor, so consider making it well ahead of time and allowing it to cool slowly overnight in your refrigerator for even more depth of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking stew in a slow cooker can be a great way to get a flavorful and comforting meal with minimal effort. Here are some tips to make sure your Slimming World friendly slow cooker Irish stew turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, it’s important to brown your meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This simple step will add depth of flavor to your stew that cannot be achieved by simply throwing raw meat into the pot.
Another tip is to use hot water or broth when starting the recipe. Cold liquids can take longer to heat up in the slow cooker, meaning it will take more time for your stew to cook properly.
In terms of cooking time, follow the recipe instructions, but keep in mind that all slow cookers vary slightly in temperature and cooking time. It’s best to check on your stew halfway through the cooking time to make sure everything is properly cooked and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To give your stew an extra layer of flavor, add dried rosemary or thyme along with bay leaves in the beginning stages of cooking. These herbs work well with the other ingredients and will create a more complex taste profile for your dish.
Finally, if you’re short on time in the morning, prep as much as you can the night before. Cut up your vegetables and measure out your pearl barley so that all you need to do in the morning is brown the meat and throw everything into the slow cooker.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that every bowl of Slimming World friendly slow cooker Irish stew you serve up will be flavorful, tender and satisfying.
FAQ
As with any recipe, home cooks oftentimes have questions or concerns before attempting to make a dish. The following section will aim to provide answers to frequently asked questions about this slimming world friendly slow cooker Irish stew recipe. By addressing some common inquiries, we hope to make the cooking process as stress-free as possible and ensure that every meal made is both delicious and filling. So, let’s get started with some questions you may have.
What is the difference between Irish stew and regular stew?
In terms of both the broth and meat selection, there are notable contrasts between beef stew and an Irish stew. Specifically, a beef stew consists of diced beef chunks, like those obtained from a chuck roast or stew meat. On the other hand, an Irish stew incorporates mutton or lamb and a luscious, creamy beer-based broth.
Which ingredients do you need for an Irish stew?
Some may claim that an authentic Irish stew should only contain mutton, onions, and potatoes, but the truth is that a variety of vegetables can be added to make it just as traditional. Carrots, celery, turnips, swedes, parsnips, leeks, kale, and cabbage are all acceptable and common choices for a delicious Irish stew.
How do you thicken Irish stew?
When it comes to creating a velvety texture in gravies, there are three go-to thickeners: flour, cornflour, and arrowroot. Typically, flour and cornflour are suitable for savoury dishes, while arrowroot is more commonly associated with sweet dishes. Nevertheless, arrowroot can be used in savoury dishes as it lacks any distinct flavour.
What is the best cut of meat for a slow cooker stew?
When it comes to selecting the ideal cut of meat for your dish, chuck roast is undoubtedly the way to go. Its ample connective tissue renders it more tender compared to other cuts available in the market. And the icing on the cake? This cut is more economical than other options, making it a pocket-friendly choice for all your meaty needs.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Slimming World Friendly Slow Cooker Irish Stew Recipe is the perfect meal for those who want something hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly. With all its mouth-watering flavors, you can’t resist a bowl of this Irish stew. Adding pearl barley makes it even more nutritious and filling. Whether it’s a cold winter day or a cozy evening at home, this dish is sure to warm your heart and soul.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather all the necessary ingredients and give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Trust me when I say that once you taste this slow cooker Irish stew, it will become a regular on your meal plan. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family members so they too can enjoy the benefits of a delicious meal packed full of nutrients.
In the end, this recipe is not only tasty but it also aligns with the principles of Slimming World. The combination of lean lamb, beef bouillon cubes, potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsnips not only makes for a well-balanced meal but also one that is low fat and filling. So go ahead – cook up a pot of slimming world friendly Irish stew in your slow cooker today and savor each bite.
Slimming World Friendly Slow Cooker Irish Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- low-fat cooking spray
- 125 g pearl barley
- 500 g lean lamb (all visibile fat removed, cut into large chunks)
- 4 medium onions (peeled and cut into vertical cunks)
- 4 carrots (cut into 1 inch chunks)
- 1 large parsnip (cut into 1 inch cunks)
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 beef bouillon cubes (or lamb stock cubes)
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- hot water
Instructions
- in a non stick frying pan brown the meat on all sides in batches.
- place all of the veg in bottom of slow cooker put meat on top, spinkle over barley add herbs and stock cubes. pour in enough hot water to come up just meet the veg and meat.
- cook for 6 hours on high in slow cooker.
- you can add other ingredients like garlic, reducrrent jelly, mint just remember to syn point it.
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.