Ballymaloe Irish Stew
A hearty Irish stew featuring tender lamb, carrots, and potatoes in a rich beef broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the drippings in a heavy kettle and brown the lamb pieces.
- Add carrots, onions, black pepper, and beef broth to the kettle.
- Peel the potatoes and place them on top of the stew.
- Simmer gently, covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Transfer the meat and vegetables to a large bowl with a slotted spoon.
- Skim fat from the stock.
- Swirl in butter and parsley leaves, then ladle the sauce over the meat and vegetables.
- Serve with dark beer and brown bread.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using a mix of lamb and beef for a richer broth. If lamb isn't available, beef chuck is a good substitute. For a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes into the broth. You can also add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with dark beer and a side of crusty brown bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or a side of French Potato Salad(Topped With Edwards' Hickory Smoked Bacon!) to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ballymaloe Irish Stew contains roughly 2225 calories, with 123g protein, 406g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (589% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (263% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1362mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this stew?
Yes, while lamb is traditional, you can substitute beef or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will cook faster than lamb or beef.
What can I do if the stew is too thin?
If your stew turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some of the potatoes into the broth or adding a cornstarch slurry. Gradually stir in a mixture of cornstarch and cold water while simmering until desired thickness is achieved.
How can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Feel free to add vegetables like peas, parsnips, or celery to the stew for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into similar sizes as the other vegetables and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).