Irish Lamb and Potato Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of lamb, creamy potatoes, and a medley of root vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. This traditional Irish stew is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The lamb becomes incredibly tender as it simmers, while the potatoes and vegetables absorb the savory broth, creating a stew that’s both nourishing and delicious. Ideal for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or warming up on a chilly evening, this stew is a true taste of Irish comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups beef or lamb broth
- 1 cup Guinness or other stout beer (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the Lamb:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Beer:
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in the beef or lamb broth and the Guinness (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Vegetables and Lamb:
- Return the browned lamb to the pot and add the potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Stir to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves and discard. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side if desired.
Irish Lamb and Potato Stew is a soul-warming dish that captures the essence of traditional Irish cooking. Its rich, savory flavors and tender ingredients make it the perfect meal for gathering around the table with family and friends.
