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Irish stew recipe authentic traditional lamb potatoes carrots parsnips onions

Traditional Irish Stew (Lamb Stew)

By Kimberly Killebrew
This traditional Irish Stew is made with simple ingredients but the end result is an incredibly flavorful and robust stew that will nourish both body and soul.
5 from 66 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless lamb (from shoulder or neck) or mutton (e.g., shoulder or neck), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon oil or lard for frying
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 large carrots , peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
  • 2 ribs celery , sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion , chopped
  • 1 parsnip (or turnip or rutabaga), diced
  • 2 pounds starchy potatoes (e.g. Russets) , peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 3 cups quality beef broth
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
    Heat some oil in a large pan and generously brown the lamb on all sides.  Be careful not to over-crowd the pan and work in batches as needed.  Transfer the lamb to a plate.
    In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the flour.  Whisk together to combine and continue whisking for a few minutes or until the mixture turns a rich brown color. Add the broth, whisking continually.  Simmer until slightly thickened.  Set aside.
  • In a heavy stock pot or Dutch oven melt another tablespoon or two of butter over medium-high heat and add the vegetables except for the potatoes.  Cook until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the browned lamb, potatoes, parsley, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
    Place the pot on the middle rack of the oven and cook, covered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the meat is very tender.  Add more salt and pepper to taste.
    Serve garnished with some chopped parsley.  Some crusty bread and/or a leafy green salad make the perfect accompaniment.  This stew is great for leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 546kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 896mgPotassium: 1332mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3692IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 4mg
Course Main Course
Cuisine Irish
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