Irish Stew

Irish Stew is a satisfying and hearty dish that showcases the classic flavors of Ireland. Lois Gelzer from Standish, Maine, shares this delightful recipe that combines tender lamb, potatoes, turnips, carrots, and a blend of aromatic herbs. This stew is not only delicious but also makes for a perfect St. Patrick’s Day meal when served with Irish soda bread.

The key components of this stew are the succulent lamb and the humble potatoes, which are integral to Irish cuisine. The addition of carrots and turnips adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. A blend of dried marjoram, thyme, and rosemary, along with a touch of pepper, enhances the savory notes of the stew.

With just a few simple steps and wholesome ingredients, you can create a comforting and nourishing meal that will warm both your body and soul. Embrace the flavors of Ireland with this traditional Irish Stew and enjoy the rich heritage it represents.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ pounds lamb stew meat
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups sliced peeled potatoes
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• ½ cup sliced carrot
• ½ cup cubed turnip
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons fat-free milk
• ½ teaspoon browning sauce (optional)
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

PREPARATION:

1. In a Dutch oven, brown the lamb stew meat in olive oil over medium-high heat. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
2. Add the sliced potatoes, onion, carrot, turnip, salt, dried marjoram, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and pepper to the Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, fat-free milk, and browning sauce (if using) until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew. Add the minced fresh parsley. Bring the stew to a boil and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

PREP/COOK TIME: 20 minutes of preparation, 1 hour 45 minutes of cooking

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To enhance the flavors, allow the stew to simmer for longer than the specified time to develop a richer taste.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of salt, herbs, or pepper to suit your palate.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can increase the amount of flour or use a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the stew.
• Experiment with additional vegetables such as celery or parsnips for added flavor and texture.

TIPS:

• Serve Irish Stew with a side of warm Irish soda bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• If lamb is not readily available, you can substitute it with beef stew meat for a delicious variation.
• Leftover Irish Stew can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors often deepen and develop further, making it even more delicious.
• Add a splash of stout beer to the stew for an authentic Irish touch and added depth of flavor.
• Garnish the stew with fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note.

Irish Stew is a classic and heartwarming dish that embodies the flavors and spirit of Ireland. Lois Gelzer from Standish, Maine, shares this timeless recipe that features tender lamb, potatoes, turnips, carrots, and a fragrant blend of herbs. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying and delicious stew that is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or enjoying on any cozy evening.

The combination of succulent lamb, hearty potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a stew that is rich in flavor and truly comforting. The addition of carrots and turnips adds sweetness and depth, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Prepare to savor the traditional tastes of Ireland with this wholesome and nourishing Irish Stew. The tender lamb, paired with the assortment of vegetables and herbs, creates a harmonious blend that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Serve it with Irish soda bread for an authentic and satisfying St. Patrick’s Day meal.

Embrace the rich heritage of Ireland and the simplicity of farm-fresh ingredients with this delightful recipe. Share the joy of Irish Stew with loved ones and create lasting memories around the dinner table.