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Cozy Irish Stew Recipe with Tender Lamb and Root Vegetables Made Easy

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A comforting and hearty Irish stew featuring tender lamb shoulder and a mix of root vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection for a warm and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped (optional)
  • 4 cups beef or lamb broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the lamb in batches and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Set browned lamb aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and garlic to the same pot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. Stir well and cook for about 3 minutes.
  6. Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in beef or lamb broth and water, ensuring ingredients are mostly covered. Add thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lamb is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
  9. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Brown the lamb in batches to avoid steaming and develop flavor. Keep root vegetable pieces uniform for even cooking. Simmer gently on low heat to keep lamb tender and vegetables intact. Adjust thickness by simmering uncovered or adding broth/water. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. For a slow cooker adaptation, brown lamb and sauté onions first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish stew, lamb stew, root vegetables, comfort food, slow-cooked lamb, hearty stew, easy Irish recipe