Irish Stew

Irish Stew

6 servings
This hearty Irish stew is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender lamb, potatoes, and vegetables simmered slowly until melt-in-your-mouth perfect. A traditional dish that's been warming Irish homes for generations, this stew showcases simple ingredients transformed into something truly satisfying through slow, gentle cooking.

Ingredients

  • lamb shoulder or neck

    1.1 kg, cut into 2-inch chunks, bone-in or boneless

    2 ½ lb
  • russet or Yukon gold potatoes
    2 lb
  • yellow onions
    3 medium
  • carrots
    3 large
  • lamb or beef stock
    4 c
  • water
    2 c
  • fresh thyme leaves
    2 tbsp
  • bay leaves
    2
  • salt (plus more
    2 tsp
  • black pepper

    freshly ground

    1 tsp
  • fresh parsley
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Season lamb chunks generously with salt and pepper. Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the lamb in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, then set aside.

  2. 2

    In the same pot, add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Return lamb to the pot along with any accumulated juices.

  3. 3

    Add potatoes, carrots, stock, water, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until lamb is very tender.

  4. 4

    Remove bay leaves and skim any excess fat from the surface. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

  5. 5

    Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Irish Stew

Irish Stew

170 min6 servings485 cal

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About this Recipe

Authentic Irish Stew: A Warming One-Pot Comfort Meal

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of traditional Irish Stew to warm you from the inside out. This classic one-pot meal brings together humble ingredients to create an incredibly rich and satisfying dish that has graced Irish tables for generations. Perfect for chilly evenings or a festive St. Patrick's Day celebration, our hearty Irish stew recipe promises tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb, robust root vegetables, and a deeply savory broth.

What makes this lamb stew so special is its simplicity and the magic of slow simmering. Succulent lamb shoulder or neck, along with starchy potatoes, sweet carrots, and aromatic onions, gently cooks down in a flavorful stock infused with fresh thyme and bay leaves. The prolonged cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the lamb to become unbelievably tender, creating a true comfort food experience that nourishes the soul.

Tips for the Perfect Irish Stew

  • Brown the Lamb: For an even deeper flavor profile, consider browning the lamb chunks in a little oil before adding them to the pot. This creates a delicious caramelized crust.
  • Vegetable Choices: While traditional Irish stew often includes just potatoes, onions, and carrots, feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or leeks for extra depth.
  • Serve it Right: This lamb and potato stew is a complete meal on its own, but it's absolutely divine served with a side of crusty soda bread to soak up every last drop of the rich broth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions