Old Fashioned Irish Stew
A hearty Irish stew with tender lamb, carrots, onions, and potatoes, simmered in seasoned broth; perfect for comforting family dinners or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the shoulder of lamb into pieces suitable for serving.
- Cover the meat with about 4 cups of boiling water and bring slowly back to boiling point.
- Add salt and pepper to season the broth.
- Add the carrots cut into strips or thick slices and let simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add the onions and potatoes, then simmer until both are tender, about 1 hour.
- Garnish with chopped parsley when serving.
- Serve the stew with a salad and shamrock ice cream molds with little cookies for dessert.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the lamb in a mixture of herbs and garlic overnight. If you don't have lamb, beef or even rabbit can be used as substitutes. Cut the vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Adding a splash of stout beer can enhance the stew's depth, similar to flavors found in Spicy Sausage And Lentil Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot with crusty bread or brown soda bread for dipping. A fresh green salad pairs well, and for a fun dessert, consider serving shamrock ice cream molds with little cookies. This meal is great for gatherings and can be complemented with a hearty Irish stout.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Irish Stew contains roughly 2585 calories, with 46g protein, 426g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (271% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1330mg per serving (58% 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 meats for this stew?
Yes, while lamb is traditional, you can substitute with beef, pork, or even rabbit for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different meats may require varying durations to become tender.
What kind of potatoes are best for Irish stew?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, which can break down and make the stew too thick.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve when the stew is made a day ahead. Just reheat gently on the stovetop before serving. It also freezes well; make sure to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
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).