This classic Irish stew, made with lamb shoulder, Guinness beer, and root vegetables, is the perfect comfort food for a cold day. The slow-cooked lamb becomes tender and flavorful, while the beer and herbs create a rich, hearty broth.
Photos of Lamb Stew (Irish Stew) Recipe
The key ingredients for this recipe include lamb shoulder, which may not be a regular item in your pantry; you can usually find it in the meat section of your supermarket. Additionally, Guinness beer adds a unique depth of flavor, so make sure to grab a bottle when you are shopping.
Ingredients For Irish Lamb Stew
lamb shoulder: A flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the stew.
vegetable oil: Used for browning the lamb.
onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
butter: Adds richness to the stew.
flour: Helps to thicken the broth.
Guinness beer: Adds a deep, rich flavor to the stew.
carrots: Adds sweetness and texture.
potatoes: Provides heartiness and helps to thicken the stew.
beef broth: Forms the base of the stew's liquid.
thyme sprigs: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
parsley: Adds a fresh, bright flavor at the end.
One reader, Anson Holly says:
This lamb stew recipe is fantastic! The flavors meld beautifully, and the Guinness adds a rich depth. The lamb is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. It's a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Irish Stew
How to season lamb: Season the lamb shoulder with salt and pepper evenly on all sides to enhance the flavor. How to brown lamb: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat and brown the lamb in small batches to ensure even cooking and caramelization. How to deglaze: Add about 2 tablespoons of broth to the pot and scrape any brown bits off the bottom to incorporate the flavorful fond into the dish. How to make a roux: Add butter and flour to the pot and cook for one minute to create a thickening agent for the stew. How to add liquid gradually: Turn the heat to low and add beer and broth a small amount at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. How to simmer: Add the lamb back into the pot and simmer for 90 minutes or until the lamb is fork-tender to develop deep flavors. How to cook vegetables in stew: Add potatoes, carrots, and thyme and simmer for 25 minutes or until tender to ensure the vegetables are cooked through and flavorful. How to finish with herbs: Stir in parsley at the end to add a fresh, bright flavor to the stew before serving.
How To Make Lamb Stew (Irish Stew)
Prepare this heartwarming lamb stew to warm you on cold days made with chunks of lamb, potatoes, and carrots cooked all together in one flavorful dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbslamb shoulder ,cut into 1½ pieces
- Salt & Pepper
- 2tbspvegetable oil,divided
- 1onion ,large, sliced
- 2tbspbutter
- 2tbspflour
- 1Guiness beer
- 3carrots,chopped into 3 pieces
- 2potatoes,large, about 1 ½ pounds
- 4cupsbeef broth
- 2½thyme sprigs,or ½ teaspoon, dried
- ¼cupparsley
Instructions
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Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat and brown lamb in small batches.
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Set lamb aside and add onions to the pot with the remaining oil. Cook until tender for about 5 minutes.
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Add about 2 tablespoons of broth to deglaze and scrape any brown bits off the bottom. Cook until broth has evaporated.
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Add butter and flour the cook for one minute. Turn heat to low. Add beer and then broth with a small amount at a time mixing until smooth after each addition.
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The mixture will seem pasty and thick at first. Continue adding liquid a little bit at a time until smooth.
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Add the lamb back into the pot and simmer for 90 minutes or until the lamb is fork-tender. Add potatoes, carrots, and thyme and simmer for 25 minutes or until tender.
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Stir in parsley and serve with Irish Soda Bread.
Nutrition
- Calories: 931.97kcal
- Fat: 62.40g
- Saturated Fat: 25.39g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 26.76g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.51g
- Carbohydrates: 39.19g
- Fiber: 6.50g
- Sugar: 6.15g
- Protein: 48.01g
- Cholesterol: 178.56mg
- Sodium: 1904.98mg
- Calcium: 187.55mg
- Potassium: 1980.00mg
- Iron: 9.21mg
- Vitamin A: 687.64µg
- Vitamin C: 108.79mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Lamb Stew
When browning the lamb, ensure the pieces are not overcrowded in the pot. Overcrowding can cause the meat to steam rather than brown, which will affect the depth of flavor in your stew. Brown the lamb in small batches to achieve a rich, caramelized crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Lamb Stew
Pre-cut vegetables: Chop the carrots and potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge to save time during cooking.
Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought beef broth to cut down on preparation time.
Batch browning: Brown the lamb shoulder in larger batches to speed up the process.
Quick deglazing: Use a splash of beef broth to quickly deglaze the pot, saving time on scraping.
Simmer efficiently: Use a pressure cooker to reduce the simmering time for the lamb and vegetables.
Substitute Ingredients For Lamb Stew (Irish Stew) Recipe
lamb shoulder - Substitute with beef chuck: Beef chuck has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for a hearty stew.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice, enhancing the overall flavor of the stew.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier option and adds a rich, fruity flavor to the stew.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, which can add a subtle complexity to the stew.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a richer, nuttier flavor, making it a great alternative for sautéing.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent and is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
guinness beer - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can provide a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture but a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor, which can add a unique twist to the stew.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and a touch of sweetness, which can complement the savory elements of the stew.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
thyme sprigs - Substitute with rosemary sprigs: Rosemary has a robust, pine-like flavor that can provide a similar aromatic quality to the stew.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, citrusy flavor that can brighten up the dish, although it has a distinct taste that differs from parsley.
Presenting Your Irish Stew
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the lamb stew in a shallow, wide-rimmed bowl to highlight the rich, hearty nature of the dish without overwhelming the diner.
Use decoration: Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness.
Highlight textures: Ensure the lamb is fork-tender and the carrots and potatoes are cooked to perfection, providing a contrast in textures that will delight the palate.
Balance flavors: Make sure the Guinness beer and beef broth create a deep, robust flavor profile, balanced by the sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the potatoes.
Use high-quality ingredients: Source the best lamb shoulder, fresh vegetables, and premium beef broth to ensure the dish is of the highest quality.
Serve with a side: Accompany the stew with a slice of warm, freshly baked Irish soda bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
Maintain temperature: Serve the stew piping hot to enhance the comforting, hearty nature of the dish, ensuring the butter and flour mixture remains smooth and velvety.
Essential Tools for Making Lamb Stew
Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for browning meat and slow-cooking stews.
Tongs: Useful for turning and browning the lamb pieces evenly.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion, carrots, and potatoes.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables and meat.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the stew and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the butter, flour, and oil.
Measuring cups: Used for measuring the beef broth and beer.
Ladle: Handy for serving the stew into bowls.
Peeler: Useful for peeling the carrots and potatoes.
Small bowl: Can be used to set aside the browned lamb pieces.
Whisk: Helps in mixing the flour and butter into a smooth paste before adding the liquid.
Timer: Ensures accurate cooking times for simmering the lamb and vegetables.
Storing and Freezing Lamb Stew
Allow the Irish stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the stew even more delicious.
When reheating refrigerated stew, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to maintain food safety.
To freeze the stew, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to minimize freezer burn. Alternatively, use a vacuum sealer for optimal results.
Lamb stew can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. However, the potatoes and carrots may become slightly softer upon thawing and reheating.
To thaw frozen stew, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Reheat thawed stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a safe internal temperature. Adjust the seasoning if needed and add a splash of broth or water if the stew appears too thick.
For best results, consume thawed and reheated stew within 2-3 days and do not refreeze previously frozen stew to maintain food safety and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Lamb Stew
- Reheat the lamb stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the stew is heated evenly without overcooking the lamb or vegetables.
- If the stew has thickened up too much in the refrigerator, add a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen it up while reheating.
- For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Transfer the desired portion of lamb stew to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the stew in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
- If you have stored the stew in a freezer-safe container, you can reheat it directly from frozen. Place the frozen stew in a saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's thawed and heated through. This method may take longer, but it's a convenient option if you have forgotten to thaw the stew in advance.
- To add a fresh twist to your leftover lamb stew, try serving it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- If you find that the vegetables in the stew have become too soft for your liking during storage, you can remove them and add freshly cooked carrots and potatoes to the reheated stew for a better texture.
Random Fact about Lamb Stew
A traditional Irish stew, like this lamb stew, often uses simple and hearty ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. The addition of Guinness beer in this recipe adds a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stew.
Is Making Lamb Stew at Home Cost-Effective?
The lamb shoulder is the priciest ingredient, but its rich flavor makes it worthwhile. Guinness beer and beef broth add depth, while carrots and potatoes are budget-friendly. Onions, thyme, and parsley are inexpensive yet essential. Overall, this Irish stew costs around $30-$35 for a household of 4. Given its hearty nature and delicious taste, the cost-effectiveness is solid. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Lamb Stew a Healthy Choice?
The Irish lamb stew recipe, while comforting and flavorful, has some aspects that could be improved from a health perspective. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- Lamb shoulder is a fatty cut of meat, which can contribute to higher levels of saturated fat and calories in the dish.
- The recipe uses butter and flour to create a roux, which can add additional fat and calories to the stew.
- Guinness beer is used as a liquid ingredient, which can add depth of flavor but also contributes to the overall calorie count.
- The recipe includes a variety of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and potatoes, which provide essential nutrients and fiber.
- Thyme and parsley are used as herbs, adding flavor without significantly impacting the nutritional profile.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Trim any visible fat from the lamb shoulder to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- Use a leaner cut of lamb, such as leg or loin, to lower the amount of saturated fat.
- Replace half of the butter with heart-healthy olive oil when making the roux.
- Reduce the amount of flour used in the roux or consider using a whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Opt for a low-calorie or non-alcoholic beer to decrease the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the stew, such as adding celery, parsnips, or turnips for added nutrients and fiber.
- Serve the stew with a side salad or steamed green vegetables to balance out the meal and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
Editor's Thoughts on This Irish Stew Recipe
This lamb stew recipe is a hearty and flavorful take on the classic Irish stew. The use of Guinness beer adds a rich, deep flavor that complements the tender lamb beautifully. The step of deglazing with broth ensures all the savory bits are incorporated, enhancing the overall taste. Adding the vegetables later in the cooking process keeps them from becoming too mushy, maintaining a pleasant texture. Finishing with fresh parsley brightens the dish. Pairing it with Irish soda bread is a perfect touch, making this a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Lamb Stew (Irish Stew) Recipe:
This lamb stew recipe is a classic Irish dish that has been perfected over generations. Using Guinness beer adds a rich, deep flavor that complements the tender lamb. The combination of carrots, potatoes, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley ensures a hearty and satisfying meal. Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof, delicious stew that will impress your family and friends.
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