authentic irish stew recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
authentic irish stew recipe
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The Best authentic irish stew recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite Irish stew recipe, a dish that’s been passed down through generations. Growing up in the Midwest, I was always fascinated by the rich cultural heritage of Ireland and the delicious food that came with it.

This hearty stew is a staple of Irish cuisine, and for good reason – it’s comforting, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. My kids adore helping me prepare this recipe, and we always have a blast making memories together in the kitchen.

Whether we’re serving it on a chilly winter night or at a family gathering, this stew never fails to bring everyone together. The best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. I love how the tender lamb or beef simmers in a rich broth infused with herbs like thyme and rosemary, creating an aroma that’s simply irresistible.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – this stew is loaded with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and lean protein from the meat. My kids can’t get enough of the fluffy potatoes and carrots that soak up all that flavorful goodness.

As an added bonus, this recipe is also incredibly adaptable, so feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

Authentic Irish Stew

Authentic Irish Stew

4.8 from 701 votes

A hearty and comforting traditional Irish stew made with tender lamb, root vegetables, and herbs. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for a cold day.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 35 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

800g lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
2 large onions, sliced
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced
250g cabbage, thinly shredded

Aromatics and Herbs

4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Liquids

700ml lamb or beef stock
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2Add lamb chunks, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
3Remove lamb from pot and set aside.
4In the same pot, add onions, carrots, parsnips, and garlic.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and onions become translucent.
6Stir in flour and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned and the paste is well combined.
7Pour in lamb stock, add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
8Stir well to combine, ensuring any browned bits from the bottom of the pot are deglazed.
9Return the lamb to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
10Stir in the potatoes and cabbage, ensuring all ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
11Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12The lamb should be tender and easily fall apart with a fork.
13Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
14If the stew is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
15Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or Irish soda bread.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Sharp knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use lamb or beef stock. You can also add a splash of Guinness or other stout for added depth. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or use a potato masher to break them down slightly before serving.

Watch Video Of How Authentic Irish Stew Works

This Irish stew recipe has become a staple in our household – we love serving it at family gatherings or on cozy nights when everyone needs some comfort food.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs – whether you prefer lamb or beef, add some extra veggies or go heavy on the potatoes – there are endless possibilities!

For us, this stew represents tradition, warmth, and love all rolled into one delicious meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Stew

Q1: What is Irish stew?

Irish stew is a traditional Irish dish made with lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and sometimes pearl barley. It’s often served with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Q2: What kind of meat should I use?

You can use either lamb or beef for this recipe – lamb gives it a more authentic flavor while beef makes it heartier and easier to find in most supermarkets.

Q3: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! This stew is perfect for slow cooking as it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Simply brown the meat in a skillet before transferring everything to your slow cooker.

Q4: Are there any variations on this recipe?

This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips or turnips if you like them. You can also substitute different types of potatoes for varying textures.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat by simmering gently until warmed through.

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