Irish Stew
Local name: Stobhach Gaelach
In short: Lamb, potatoes, onions and carrots simmered slowly in one pot until the potatoes melt into a light, savory broth. Serve with soda bread. It takes about 2 h 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 2 h 30 min
- Total
- 2 h 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 480 kcal
Irish stew is lamb or mutton, onions and potatoes simmered slowly in water until some of the potatoes break down and thicken the broth. Nothing else is needed, though carrots and thyme are common in home kitchens. It cooks on the stove in one pot and is eaten from wide bowls with soda bread. Skip the browning for the traditional pale, delicate stew.
Instructions
- Put the lamb in a wide heavy pot with the stock, onions, carrots, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then cover and simmer gently for 1 hour.
- Stir the thin potato slices into the stew so they dissolve and thicken the broth. Lay the potato chunks on top.
- Cover and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes more, until the lamb is tender, the potato chunks are soft and the broth is lightly thick.
- Skim off any fat from the surface, remove the thyme stems and bay leaf, and taste for salt.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve in wide bowls, with soda bread for mopping up the broth.
Tips
- Floury potatoes such as russets break down and thicken the stew, while waxy potatoes hold their shape. A mix of both is traditional.
- Lamb neck on the bone gives the best flavor. Cook it bone-in and lift the bones out before serving.
Questions and answers
Should the lamb be browned for Irish stew?
Traditionally not. The stew is cooked pale, which gives a delicate flavor. Browning the lamb first gives a darker, richer stew if you prefer.
Can I freeze Irish stew?
Yes. Freeze it for up to 2 months. The potatoes soften a little after thawing, but the flavor holds. Reheat gently and add a splash of water.
Can I make Irish stew with beef?
Traditional Irish stew uses lamb or mutton. Beef gives a different dish, closer to a beef stew, and needs a longer cooking time.
How long does it take to make Irish Stew?
About 2 h 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 2 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Irish Stew?
About 480 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 38 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
