Traditional Irish Lamb Stew

Traditional Irish Lamb Stew

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 leek, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 4 cups beef or lamb broth
• 1 cup stout beer (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lamb:
   • Season the lamb chunks with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Lamb:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the lamb in batches, browning each side. Avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, transfer the lamb to a plate.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
   • If using, pour the stout beer into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Add Vegetables and Broth:
   • Return the lamb to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and leek. Pour in the broth, adding enough to cover the ingredients.
   • Stir in the thyme and bay leaves.
6. Simmer the Stew:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the lamb and vegetables are tender.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Enjoy your warm and hearty Traditional Irish Lamb Stew!